You are guided through the many transformative cycles of life in this visually mindful depiction of poetry for the soul. The author's expressive escape compels the reader to engage in her story, within the well-versed and emotionally descriptive lines, of The Awakened Butterfly. You shall experience triumphant inspiration and deep appreciation as she conquers abandonment, rejection, neglect and abuse; with love, unity, and spiritual awakenings. This book is a tribute to the notable people and experiences of her journey. Her legacy. From the Author When life throws chaos your way, you find a way to make beauty of it. Whether it was the emptiness and neglect I'd felt as a foster child. Quite possibly, the abandonment and loneliness that became all too familiar during my adolescent years. Perhaps, the mystery of an absent father. Or, a combination of abuse that I witnessed being dealt towards my mother, and later would trip into the cycle myself.During my early years, I was lost and looking for myself in many different ways and in other people. That relentless battle played on for as long as I care to measure, and it left me feeling voiceless and internally broken. My thoughts were constantly there running wild and I had to write them down. I poured many words out of my mind, until I reached a place of relief or peace. I kept these most intimate emotions, thoughts and feelings to myself, because I didn't think any person would understand. This is how I dealt with my circumstances, many times over, mainly suppressing every learning lesson.Predictably, as in nature, when a caterpillar is forced to transform, I too was experiencing my own major metamorphosis. The first of many breakthroughs. I had my first son at the delicate age of 14. Finally, I'd be able to pour my love into someone, and reciprocally my son would pour back into my heart with his. All of my life, I've waited for a miracle, and here he was. I would go on to have 2 more sons in my 20s, who are remarkable in their own ways.Throughout my difficulties, there were times I had been defeated to my knees. The lessons I had learned shook, rattled and stockpiled on me but somehow still managed to find humor or a smile or even some laughter. There was a constant evolution taking place within me. I had a nagging feeling that "something" great was within reach, but I never knew exactly what. My peace and passion had never deteriorated. I retreated to my solemn place regularly, and eventually I became awakened! It felt wonderful, but more so like a spiritual resurrection I would imagine.There comes a point in time when you must make grave, life-changing decisions. This will always be. I have had to eliminate people from my life, forgive them and move forward the best I knew how. No longer would I allow fear to consume me, make me anxious. IT WAS TIME TO TAKE CONTROL! IT WAS A GREAT AWAKENING! I had the power, within my grip, to achieve great things for myself, or adversely continue to suppress all the waste that I once let rule me. NO MORE! Life happens. Unexpected happens. There is hope in strength, love, and mindset. I had it all along, but I could not see it until I realized spectacular had happened to me in more ways than I can be thankful for. When I think of that, I simply am grateful. Looking back on my life, things have always worked out, almost supernaturally somehow. When I thought it could never be, it became...Transformation will take you there!My mission is to evoke feelings of beauty, love, and empowerment that speak to the depths of your soul! We all have a story, but we each get to tell it differently. We each have a gift that should not be kept in a vault. This is my legacy, in poetry, where you are given a glimpse into my world. I hope you feel welcomed.