Lucky Broken Girl

My life has become a story. One day your life with become a story too. All we can do is have faith that life leads us where it does for a reason, so we can learn things we didn't know about ourselves. One day you will look back on your suffering and you will find a meaning for it and that will be your story" -Baba

Now I know why they call sick people by the word 'patient'. The patient has to have patience. Wait and wait and wait and not lose hope" -Ruthie

But wherever I go, I know I will feel most at home with the wounded of the world, who hold their heads up high no matter how broken they may seem.

Some of us have scars you can see and some of us have scars that we hide deep inside, hoping no one will ever ask about them.

The only way to deal with fear is to treat it like an unwelcome guest. If you keep entertaining it, you’ll never be rid of it.

Why is it that bad things have to happen so you learn there are lots of good people in the world?" -Ruthie

But I think if your dreams are small they can get lost, like trying to find a needle in a haystack...When a dream is big, you can see it better and hold on to it." -Ruthie

Some of us come here as shooting stars, to shine brightly for only the briefest moment, and others of us come and overstay our welcome, living to a ripe old age and forgetting our own names.

You listen well and that makes you a good keeper of stories. I am sure that all my memories are safe with you" -Baba

It's the land of my ancestors. I need to set my feet on that soil and see how I feel. I have missed my mother's warm tortillas and many more things than I can name.

Amara, don't cry. You're too tough to cry." "Your right, girl, you're right. But even tough girls cry sometimes. Like Chicho say, we cry to get stronger." -Ruthie and Amara

...when Ruthie reemerges...I lie there quietly listening to her fears, her sorrows. Then I tell her good-bye, muster my strength, rise and open the door and let the sunshine in. I become the grown-up Ruth and return to the world, no longer feeling so small, I step out, legs trembling a little but my heart full, and set forth on the next journey, entrusting myself to the beauty and danger of life all over again." the author, Ruth Behar

...when Ruthie emerges...I lie there quietly listening to her fears, her sorrows. Then I tell her good-bye, muster my strength, rise and open the door and et the sunshine in. I become the grown-up Ruth and return tot he world no longer feeling so small. I step out, legs trembling a little but my hear full, and set forth on the next journey, entrusting myself the the beauty and danger of life all over again." the author, Ruth Behar

What a gift it is to get a second chance at life when the worst is past." Ruth Behar, the author

It took fifty years for me to release that pain and to honor the voice of the broken girl. I feel blessed to have found the words to tell this story, tough I don't recommend that anyone wait that long Pain is pain. Speak up. Tell your story." Ruth Behar, the author

Amara, don't cry! You're too touch to cry." "You're right, girl, you're right. But even tough girls cry sometimes. Lick Chicho says, we cry to get stronger." - Ruthie and Amara

Sometimes I wish I could shout to the world, "Tell me, please, wont you tell me? Do you know how to become whole after you've been broken?" Ruthie

At the last minute I change my wish: All I want is to be alive next year. Being alive is the best gift of all. Thank you, life." Ruthie

Mi niña, yes. I believe we should accept all actions that are carried out in good faith and with a loving heart." Mami

You know what the doctor said, Mami? The doctor said I'm lucky because I didn't end p paralyzed for life like the lady in the car in front of us. So that makes me a lucky broken girl. Ruthie

My darling daughter, she needs to understand it is necessary to go forward, not back.

We all have our troubles.

As I take her gift, Danielle says, “For you, Ruthie. Welcome back to the world.

And what's happening now? My real heart, why does it hurt? I think it wants to break open too. That must be my heart's way of making room for all the love the world still has to give" -Ruthie