Tara Branche
Bio
I love expressing myself creatively through words.
Stories (15/0)
Slow to Anger
One argument. One Slap. One phone call. A multitude of consequences. Back then, I had developed a habit of drinking everyday--definitely not good for my health, in so many ways. Alcohol and mental health issues DO NOT MIX. If you were to ask me why I had started drinking, I would not have had an answer for you. All I know is that drinking helped me escape the existence of my mundane, void-filled life. I was alone. Men related to me on strictly a physical level. They didn't stay and I thought it was because something was wrong with me. I had no job--I was on a fixed income, and although we had everything we needed, the funds to do the things we wanted to do were few and far between. I was a single mother. My son, who had always been close to me, was now a young man about to graduate high school and go to college. He would be leaving me and that saddened and terrified me. Being a mother was my greatest accomplishment; for the last 17 years, I had been nothing else. Looking back, I was not merely unhappy; I was ungrateful. Maybe that was why karma would have its way with me--in order to teach me to appreciate everything and to take nothing or no one for granted.
By Tara Brancheabout a year ago in Confessions
Deep
The ocean’s color Is like my soul crying out For Love, Joy, and Peace.
By Tara Brancheabout a year ago in Poets
Thank you
I’m only 44 years old and I’ve been through many trials and tribulations in my short life so far. The one thing that they have taught me is that my biggest fear is being who I truly am because I feel I would be judged and rejected. According to the many expectations that my loved ones had for me, I feel like a failure. According to the talents and abilities that others saw in me that I didn’t use, I feel worthless. Would haves, could haves, and should haves haunt my mind every single minute of every day. At this point in my life, I feel like I have more time behind me than I have ahead of me. And yet as I am here today in my forties, I see it as a miracle because in my twenties, I didn’t think I would live this long. So, this open letter is to everyone who has nurtured me, energized me, corrected me. To the ones who saw and believed things for me and in me that I am still struggling to see in myself. And to those who see me for who I truly am and love me unconditionally. I pray that before your eyes close that I will make you proud.
By Tara Branche2 years ago in Confessions
Resolutions
Growing up during the 80s and 90s in Virginia was a simpler time compared to today. Kids played outside under the watchful eyes of concerned neighbors. People looked out for each other; Teachers and Older Adults in general were not only permitted to but were expected to correct or discipline you if they saw or heard you doing or saying something that you weren’t supposed to. Southern Hospitality and Manners reigned; It was customary to hold doors for people, help the elderly, say Good Morning, Evening, and Night and have respect for your elders. Libraries were our main source of knowledge and research; Computers were new on the scene, but for the most part, we still used typewriters. Violence against others was low; rarely did someone get shot or killed if you had a disagreement—people fought it out, made up, and lived to see another day. Our biggest health threat was A.I.D.S. There was no internet, social media, or cellphones; Telephones, Beepers and Payphones were the communications of choice. I miss these times.
By Tara Branche2 years ago in Humans