Defining Life

When I think about my childhood, I realize that I grew up in the silence. There was always something going on around me. Parents arguing, family fussing; you know the assumed amount of disfunction. So I made it a point to live beneath the noise. I found peace within myself. I made myself shy and I only talked to my imaginary friend. Yes. I had an imaginary friend. Let my mother tell it, she was concerned for my well-being. She sought counsel for my state of mind. She was informed that I was normal and just going through a phase.  Her name was Grace. And to add to the insanity occuring in my household, Grace had a seat at the dinner table nightly. I remember my stepfather coming home and sitting in her seat. I let out a cry and explained that he had squished her. While my mother cringed, my stepfather politely apologized and chose another chair. Another time, my mom had fallen asleep watching tv and I must have been bored because I caused a huge scene. I ran out into the livin