Growing up, I found acceptance in the interconnected tree roots on the forest floor, running and jumping and climbing over top of them as if they were a maternal source of stability. I was held by the earth beneath my feet, the dirt between my toes. I found love in the stars, in the way my voice soared in reach of them. I felt seen by the gods, by grand myths and stories, by my imaginary future friends and family of my own creation.
