FREEDOM ... worth fighting for !
Story of Sonja – Cont .
So … when I made that phone call to them I automatically thought they would be a little less than generous when I asked to come home and start my life over again with the people who really loved me and who had also wanted the best for me … into my future . Mum and Dad didn ’ t disappoint me . Within an hour of my call they were there to pick me up and transport me back home and to a place of comfort , choices , love and freedom .
I didn ’ t forget about Lilly . As the story of my need to “ escape to freedom ” unfolded to my family and close friends I felt sadness and much regret as we talked and cried , over a very long dinner shortly after my arrival back home . I confirmed that the reason for deciding to go home revolved around Lilly and what freedom had meant to her . I told them of Lilly ’ s life story and how she yearned to have choices in her life but couldn ’ t get a start to do that . My father became quite emotional about Lilly ’ s situation and said he would like to meet her . So … that was the start of a new beginning for Lilly . After a few visits to my home for some good times with me , Lilly became like a second daughter to my parents . Lilly got her freedom !
After staying with us for a few years , going back to school with me , getting good grades and living a healthy lifestyle , Lilly shone bright !
Freedom had some like-minded aspects for us both but we also had our unique interpretations too , in a well-rounded and happy way . I went to University to study Environmental Science and followed on to work in both agricultural and natural systems , involved in research to pave the way for more effective conservation management . Such an enthusiastic way for me to experience freedom , in nature ! Lilly went to the local College to undertake a certificate course in Fine Arts .
What a wonderful world of freedom Lilly found , in painting the memories of her life as it was and how it had become ! Lilly worked in an Art Gallery which also gave her the freedom of displaying her very special art work and earning a living from it . We live quite a distance from each other these days but as often as we can , we meet for special occasions at the family home or have a weekend in the city , where we can ’ t keep the smiles off our faces .
There is one very positive thing I can say about going out on a limb to find freedom . Freedom found me and it found Lilly and showed us both that sometimes we take the wrong road to find ourselves but when our hearts and minds are truly in the right place , we are always going to get there . There ’ s nothing like learning the lessons that take us to that zone called freedom of spirit !
Freedom ! It was there all the time .
Bev Illawarra Evening Group
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