HEALING OUR LIVES

When Shadow came over from the dark side, also known as the caves, he was only 14. He arrived angry and hardened. Over time, he learned about living in the light, and he changed. He grew to love and protect the children inside, and to respect those older than himself. In August of 2000, he made the decision to age to 17 and take over the role of main protector for the children. He changed his name to Jake. I had only known him for a short time when he did this, and it was a difficult decision for him to make. He loves the children, though, and they love him dearly, and feel safe in his presence. He is truely a blessing in not only the childrens' lives, but in mine as well. He has a heart of gold, and is one of the most responsible, yet loving teenagers I have ever known. This wasn't always the case, though....the following is an account of his memories of his last days in the caves, and of the only love he had ever known until he came to the light.

"The Beginning of My Journey" - By Shadow

Groping in the darkness trying to find oneself is the most difficult and the most frustrating element of my exsistance. Dakrah told me that they wanted to destroy the only place I had known as home ... I dont remember being born or even being a kid, but I DO remember fighting for my very exsistance every single day. Shakhan and his "gang" as I called them, hunted me like an animal wanting me to disappear forever. I suppose it was because of my outlook of our exsistance, our very world. ... I knew that there was MORE than what even the "Light People" knew, the light was brighter than the brightest sun, blinding me everytime I tried to look out and see what was beyond the dark mountains. Somehow I knew I would get closer to that light that seared my eyes, but I didnt know how, so I continued in the darkest of darkness trying to keep away from Shakahn and his gang. I awoke one morning to Dakrah standing over me and Meysheu by his side, the sadness penetrated my very soul and I KNEW what they had come for. Dakrah said that Shakahn was getting closer because he saw the utter devistation left in his path. Meysheu looking deep into my soul with tears running down her face said . . ."You must go Shadow, it's the ONLY WAY to save us all eventually; she said You will lead the way for the others but right now it is time for you to make your journey to ensure the safety of everyone else." I had never seen such sorrow as I did the day I had to leave Dakrah & Meysheu behind. They were in essence my parent's and I love them dearly, but I also knew if I didn't go they would not survive, so I made the hardest decision in my entire young life. . . . As we embraced one last time the tears began to flow like a waterfall, and Dakrah said to me "You are the chosen one my son to show us the way and we trust we will see you again some day, be safe on your journey" and as they turned to leave not looking back as I began my journey to the side of Light, Happiness, and knowing that we will all be safe & totally secure one day.

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