After thirty-three years, this is the bent and tarnished tiara my Auntie Jo made for my third birthday. I have this vivid memory of being in kindergarten at show and tell, letting everyone know I was a real princess. When my dad tucked me in every night he kissed me and said “I love you princess”, of course I was a real princess. I had an amazing childhood, I knew I was special and I still have the tiara to prove it. My parents, family and all the people they chose to bring into my life celebrated who I was. I attribute my strength, drive and aspiration to be a good person to each of these fantastic people that nurtured me through the years. When I met my, not soon enough, to be ex-husband, he put me on a pedestal. Unlike many of the guys I dated, he was attentive, supportive, and loving. How do you know he’s the one? In my story it was one defining moment. On our second Christmas together he gave me a framed letter he wrote. It was every woman’s dream the words of unconditional love, devotion, a promise of family and vow to cherish me for a lifetime. It wasn’t a proposal then but an acknowledgement of our love and how he felt. It was what the Beast said to Beauty, Eric said to Ariel, Aladdin said to Jasmine, Shrek said to Fiona. I didn’t need a prince to take care of me. I had a great career, purchased my first house at 26, found volunteer work I loved, and enjoyed time with my friends and family. I thought I found the one missing piece the love of my life, my prince. Were the words ever real? Were they heartfelt? Did he take them off the Internet? That framed letter is now just a story, a fable, and a tale. The real and true princess in this story is his daughter. She was five years old when I met her and I instantly fell in love all over again. She challenged me as any kid would but her laughter, silliness, and childish innocence was enchanting. I loved having her in my life. Although I adore my tattered tiara, I pray that her tiara never loses its stones, bends or unravels as mine did.
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