Table of Contents
Contents
Foreword by Steven Forrest xi
Introduction xv
Growth Cycle 1 Nutrient-Rich Soil
1 First Six Years
2 Move to Memphis
3 Neighborhood Elders
Growth Cycle 2 Temperate Climate
4 My New Normal
5 Illusion and Reality
6 Fight for Self Begins
Growth Cycle 3 Muddy Water
7 Meeting My Family
8 Competition, Failure, and Rape
9 Betrayal and Illusion of Family
Growth Cycle 4 Germinating Seed and Seedling
10 Trying to Stand on My own
11 Move Back to Chicago
12 Surviving on My Own
13 Dreaming of a Better Life
Growth Cycle 5 Underwater Tuber
14 A Gift Offered and Accepted
15 Adapting to Salt Lake City
16 Being an Ambassador for My Race
Growth Cycle 6 Stems
17 My Strategy to Survive
18 Focus on Goals While Being Bullied
19 College Graduation and Mother Dies
20 Getting an Abortion
Growth Cycle 7 Sunlight
21 Filling in the Gaps
22 Working to Gain Freedom
23 Being Controlled by the Job
Growth Cycle 8 Leaf Nodes and Leaves
24 Dealing with Sudden Change
25 Move to Sequim and Death
26 Feeling Extreme Emotional Pain
Growth Cycle 9 Blossom
27 Learning How to Heal
28 Astrology and Buddhism
29 Being Prepared for a New Life
Growth Cycle 10 Perfume
30 Experiencing a New Sense of Self
