All This Glory - Introduction

I've always lived this life, you see. I've always had this desire to chase these dreams of mine, even if achieving them seemed impossible in my current situation. But in the beginning, they were almost close enough to touch.  To be straight to the point, I was one of those crazy horse obsessed girls in grade school. I'm sure every school has at least one. Back then, my home life was great. Weekly riding lessons filled my time, and even on non-lesson days, I observed my favorite schooling horses. That was before the tragedy hit. Everything was great back then. No worries, just the satisfaction of living every day to the fullest like any little kid knows how to. It's really saddening to see how things change.

It's been a while since I've been the kid I described previously. I've grown up. Maybe it's important I mention my name, Angelique Knowles. But please call me Angel. I never figured out what my parents were thinking, giving me such a long name. I couldn't find out now if I wanted to, though. My mom always said Angelique was my dad's idea. He's no longer in my mental picture of the family, he made his decision when he walked out on us eight years ago. I was only nine back then.

My mother's always been supportive, I should make sure that's obvious from the start. If you didn't know her as well as I do, you would never guess my father's choice affected her at all. I know her better then that, though. With my dad at her side, she was confident and went out with friends often. Now she spends most of her time home, cooking or cleaning. While I appreciate good food at the table, it still bothers me she hasn't quite gotten over him yet.

This is only the beginning. As I know better than most people, life goes on. You've got to learn not to let the past stop you, and continue to face life head-on, even if it's hard.