Different

I'm not the same.

Since my graduation from high school 19 years ago, I went to college. I joined a sorority. I earned a degree. I became a wife. I bought a house. I worked. I missed saying a last good-bye to my father by 30 minutes. My uncle died two weeks later. I was the executor of my uncle's life and watched the other uncle and cousins bicker over his meager belongings. I experienced the deep betrayal of a friend. I drowned in depression. I traveled. I bought a second house. I became a scuba instructor. I ran a marathon. I discovered I was infertile. I pushed my body and mind to their limits as I tried to become a mother. I became mother to twins. I became mother to a third child. I discovered the amazing love of my husband and children. I gave up gainful employment to stay at home with my kids. I started a blog. I became a paranormal investigator.

I have lived. I have experienced. I. Have. Grown.

A lot has happened in the last 19 years since my graduation from high school. In many ways, I'm not the same person I was in 1990. Now? I wear make-up. I have a backbone. I have definite opinions. I stand up for myself. I can walk up to strangers and strike up conversations. And yes, I swear. In other ways, though, I'm exactly the same as the 18-year-old me. I still read like a fiend. I'm an introvert by choice. I love music. I'm overly emotional. I despise conflict.

What you Black Eagles from so long ago who have found me through Facebook need to realize is that I'm not the Heather you saw walk across that stage for my diploma. I'm not the Heather you passed in the halls. I'm not even the Heather you saw march across the football field Friday nights every fall.

I'm different.

And so are you.