Inspired by the artwork of Titus Kaphar where he cuts out portions of his artwork to reveal or remove imagery, I realized I needed to bring the vulnerable but strong young woman peering out of the door into my present.

I had the painting sitting next to me while I worked imaging me beckoning to her. Come on, join me in the now.

I have kept her and her trauma shut off from the rest of myself for so many years and was finally able to welcome her as a part of me with all that she learned, experienced and survived.