Healing surrounded by family and community has reshaped my being. The laughter and memories I’ve created in this sacred land have grounded me, allowing me to stand with purpose. Story time: I swam away for a quiet moment alone and sat on a tree trunk by the shore. The waves embraced me with warmth, offering gifts for my eyes to appreciate. As I looked over at my friends and family, tears of joy filled my eyes. I felt so much gratitude watching my mom laugh as everyone dug a hole to bury my friend Miguel in the sand. I jumped back into the ocean, letting my salty tears mix with the sea, and swam over to see my friend with a big pair of boobs my cousin had sculpted for him. I leaned in to give him a snatched waist, just like the mermaids I used to draw as a kid. We all gathered around, laughing and snapping selfies. My heart has never felt so full. 🧜‍♀️✨🌈🫶🫂