SERIES 3: TRADED PURPOSE
They said I was selfless.
They called me reliable.
They praised my strength..
But what they didn’t see
Was the pile of dreams I folded.
They didn’t mean to overlook it,
But life happened… and I adjusted.
Because they needed me.
Because someone had to be responsible.
Because being the first daughter meant I had to sacrifice.
So, I put my dreams on hold.
I wanted to study more
But I paused school.
I wanted to travel —
But I turned down the chance.
I wanted to write that book —
But I shelved my passion.
I told myself, “One day.”
And in between the one days and maybe laters,
Life whispered, “Not now. They need you first.”
So I pushed my dreams aside.
I postponed growth.
I took the job that helped everyone else survive.
I poured out…
Until I forgot what I even wanted.
Not because I didn’t believe in my dreams.
But because I was taught that duty comes before desire.
I celebrate others… while grieving my own delay.
I clap for them… while wondering when it’ll be my turn.
I stay strong… while silently asking God if He still remembers
the girl who used to dream.
And sometimes, I wonder:
Did my dreams expire while I was saving everyone else?
Was I selfish for even having them in the first place?
From ADA (The First Daughter)
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