Battle cry!

Like a tree that bends and bows, but never breaks, she stood in the full onslaught of life, and drew a line in the sand.

Battle gear on, her armour polished to a blinding shine, she stood her ground, her war cry loud enough to summon angels, and to strike fear at the core of demons.

She went into hiding for a while, flying under the radar, far off the grid, to lick wounds that cut deep and left it's mark, forever changing her.

She licked her wounds in quiet places, safe places where faces were familiar and warm, where no questions were asked, or explanations were required. She took everything in as she went about her business: the warm knowing smiles that spoke volumes, the casual hugs given in busy corridors, the whispered encouragements, innocent words with loaded meaning.

Promises unspoken, but understood: "I'm here!"

And with her army behind her, she stepped forward and screamed in the face of adversity" "I am here, and I not alone!"

Steadfast in her belief, she soldiers onward, fear cast aside, banished and beaten.

Like a phoenix she rose from the ashes, stronger, more determined, unafraid, more herself than before.

It took her 47 years to get here, she paid her dues, did so willingly.

She had lived through heartache and happiness, loyalty and betrayal, laughter and loneliness and all the paradoxes of this crazy life...

Along the way she forgot her manners at times, lost her mind, her temper, her car keys, her sense of humour, her libido...but losing her sense of self...

No....No...No!

Never!

She saw their faces in her darkest hours, her guardian angels, waiting on her to do battle: for her place, hard earned; for her life, hard won. She rose for them for they were always there like standards carrying her battle flag.

She blew the trumpet loudly, ready to charge at adversity, at negativity, at the heart of darkness with the force of 1000 brave hearts behind her.

And in that moment she knew they would be victorious!