Freddy S. Zalta: It was one of those moments in life when everything begins to rhyme. The rain & snow had conspired to create sleet. Rebecca walked towards the pier, bundled up in coat and scarf, boots & flowery skirt. Her black hair tied into a bow and hidden within a black woolen cap, unrevealed and protected. She walked & stepped into a deep puddle, her boots not as waterproof as advertised, had allowed icy water to rush in & drown her feet. She walked towards the pier & saw a rusted post standing tall. How many winter's had this pole withstood? It had once been shiny & new, it now carried the scars of time. Sure a lot of this winter had been self imposed, freedom is not as simple as it seems. But as the sun shone she felt… What? A sense of freedom? Independence? Self awareness & a feeling of recognition that she had withstood this past winter & the ones that had visited her each season year after year, instilled in her a strong sense of pride & gratitude. She was strong. She could do anything, be anything and most important she could be her true self… Whoever she chose to be. She saw a couple, posing to take a selfie when she asked them if they wanted her to take the picture for them. “Yes thank you." The woman smiled. Instead of simply taking the picture, Rebecca said, “Instead of a boring pose, express how you are both feeling right now.” They laughed, whispered to each other & then began to laugh, embrace & jump up & down. She captured these emotions & they were all laughing. “Ok now it's your turn. You pose & express how you are feeling.” Rebecca said, "OK!” She took off her boots, her coat & her hat. She was wearing only her white turtleneck & flowing flowery skirt. She jumped up & danced away. Smiling, laughing & finally free from her self imposed winter. It was one of those moments in life when everything begins to rhyme. It was a life defining moment of clarity. Her winter had passed &the sun had melted away her winter. The temperature was still around 20 degrees outside, but there is an internal warmth that can blow away any sense of clouds, cold or ice. She was alive. Anything was possible.Instagram