The Good Part

by Sophie Cousens

A new ache of loss hits me as I realize it’s not just my own life I’ve missed, it’s all my friends’ lives too.

Falling in love, getting married, having children, I’ll never experience any of them.

A youthful body, where everything looks fine without trying, is something I realize I took for granted.

We’re always so busy, or we’re socializing with friends, making plans, doing admin. We never make time to just chat and tell each other stories.

I don’t think I understood the meaning of the word independence until I had dependents.

I reflect how quickly it is possible to adapt to the strangest situations.

“But maybe there aren’t any shortcuts in life. Maybe you have to live it all, because it makes you who you are.”