“Though, you haven’t killed me, I am willing to persevere another day“.
Naomi. Marie. Orre.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia. Adopted when I was two weeks old. Grew up in a rural town of 1800 people in Minnesota’s Norman County: dotted with farm fields, gravel roads, grain elevators, and mom-and-pop businesses. However, in this area, I was the girl who tried to find acceptance along the way, which would come & go. A girl who was judged because of her interest of various genres of music, her verbal communication sounded ”proper”, and even judged because of the color of her skin. Heartbreak, sadness, and frustration was present….
Grew up in a small town
And when the rain would fall down
I’d just stare out my windowDreaming of what could be
And if I’d end up happy
I would prayTrying hard to reach out
But when I’d try to speak out
Felt like no one could hear meWanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
So I pray
I could breakawayI’ll spread my wings and I’ll learn how to fly
I’ll do what it takes til I touch the sky
And I’ll make a wish, take a chance, make a change
And breakawayOut of the darkness and into the sun
But I won’t forget all the ones that I love
I’ll take a risk, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway
but 26 years later I’m still here, and as cliche as this may sound: I’m a survivor. I am finding out more of who I am, and not being ashamed, embarrassed, or hush-quiet about it anymore. I’m proud of where I came from – family, morals, values, & all – also, take pride in telling others my story to those that are interested. Now I live in the “big city” as most outstate Minnesotans (and North Dakotans) called it. This journey we have is not easy. We fall down, get bruised a little bit, recover, and get back up. I wouldn’t trade my life for anything. It’s getting better & better by the minute.
