For a moment in time, I wished I could change the events that left me rootless and stuck. There were thoughts I hoped would make their way out of my mind but felt comfort in knowing they would stay there because it was the only thing that kept me from accepting and talking things out. I was safely tucked away in the recesses of my mind, my roots not yet ready to be grounded. I wanted to give up and kept searching for more in places where flowers couldn’t grow. Everywhere I set foot was filled with grief and reminders of the events of my childhood, my old roots. It took me ten years to understand love, anger, and hope. It took me ten years to learn how to grow new roots. Inside, you’ll find the vulnerability I wish I had years ago that allowed me to unveil the thoughts I had so carefully safeguarded. As you read, you’ll find me as I was: Navigating love, acceptance, trauma, and with a deep desire to live. With every gentle turn of a page, I hope that you feel as deeply as I did. The delicate stems of me encased inside are now yours to safeguard.