I was told they would not leave this world as long as they needed to carry their memories. As the last soul passed me, he turned around and said one word, "Remember."

Hope is not a cursory sigh of resignation. It’s an inspired intention, and as a writer, I can attest to that definition. My debut book is a memoir of mystical transformation. My dreams and visions, and this kind of hope, fueled this transformation.

Who knew my favorite parts of the day as a young child like daydreaming, lying on the grass, snack time, recess, nap time, and learning things were all elements needed to grow a healthy brain. Do children today get to daydream or lie on the grass? What kind of downtime do adults enjoy today? Hint: it doesn’t involve a glass of wine or going out to dinner. When was the last time we let our imagination take over our brain?

I've been there before, before I knew trees could communicate with each other and before I understood what these giants were.

The Clearing was my comfort spot. I felt completely free to be myself at a time when the life I was living wasn't conducive to being myself.