Brick by Brick

"I like your hair."
"I like your face."

This was how my conversation started with Aleeha. Obviously that is exactly how to spell her name because I am an expert name-speller-outter.

Adam and I took a concealed firearm class in order to get our permit a few weeks ago. After, we went to one of the best burger places ever- Smashburger. They have these Rosemary fries... oh, and the caramel shake... yum!
I went to the restroom before our food arrived and there she was- Aleeha- waiting in line to enter the restroom. Instead of an awkward silence between us, she took the initiative and broke the distance separating us as stranger and acquaintance.

Aleeha: I like your hair. (I have red hair and yes, it is really cool)
Amy: I like your face. (Because her face was painted like a butterfly, not because I am rude)
Aleeha: My name is Aleeha, what's yours?
Amy: Amy. Aleeha, that is a very pretty name. So where did you get your butterfly painted at? I love butterflies.
Aleeha: Thank you! I got it at the Autism Speaks event. I have Autism, that's why I went.
Amy: Oh! Well it looks like you had a lot of fun.
Aleeha: Yeah! I did. They had a bouncy castle and contests with prizes. I won a lot of the contests because I am good. See? (She holds up her medal to me which is around her neck)
Amy: So cool! Good job! (Door opens to the restroom)
Aleeha: Well, it was really nice to meet you Amy.
Amy: It was nice to meet you too Aleeha.

And for that moment, I felt like she was one of the truest friends I have ever had. Honest, pure and attentive- all of the things I look for in friends but not surprisingly find lacking most of the time.

I know if you want something, first you have to give it. If I expect honesty and truth from others, that is what I must live fully.
So here are a few things I've been holding back on a bit-

I don't just talk about Jesus, I actually study and apply what he teaches into my own life. I don't worry about others excessively or to the point where I try to intervene when I am not wanted- only when it is a dangerous situation where abuse is involved or implied.

I hate being forgotten. Do you ever feel that way? And I'm sure I've made people feel this way before and I am sorry. Maybe I didn't call you when I said I would. Maybe I promised you I would hang out with you and I didn't. Again, I'm sorry. Or maybe you are sitting there saying, you just don't talk to me anymore so surely you have forgotten about me. I haven't forgotten you. With that said know this: many of the actions of others have nothing to do with us personally. This is something I am learning. But sometimes it still hurts.

The source of my strength comes from the pain I have endured. Like a Phoenix, I have learned that is where my greatest growth has come from- the source and then the journey. Some self-induced pain? Absolutely. I learn best from personal experience. But I don't know anyone who ever asks to be abused. What is done is done, choices and all. The person I am now has come from many choices and I wouldn't take away any personal ones. With this pain, I have helped others and if that is all that I ever do, then I will be a great person. I'm working on it.

Amy xoxo

Marley!

My roommate and I have a new addition! Her name is Marley. She's about 9 weeks old in these photos. She is feisty, playful and a joy to have in our apartment. Here are a few pictures of her and what I have been up to including getting my room cleaned, hanging photos, posters, etc. and making Marley a kitty home!

Amy xoxo