Umbilical cord around my neck, my first moments were full of fight. Surprising for a girl who relished gentleness, and whose best friend, a Collie dog. As kids, we drank cold hose water in the summertime and dunked our heads for cherries. The one with the most, wins. A lilac bush permeated the front yard with its sweet purple scent, masking the truth of things. Inside, sink dishes waited patiently for soap; the cleansing of their conscience from involuntarily witnessing shouting and unmet needs. From the living room measures of Beethoven boomed, accented by our mother’s curses. Her fingers, frustratingly disobedient to the sheet music. We three grew up, despite the inattention. Aware, and purposeful. Proudly providing our own children blueberry pancakes on Sundays.