The Lessons of 'Growing Up'

So, it's been a few years... And I've experienced so much within my short lifetime.

Since I moved back to Iowa in 2012;

Grew up and become an adult sooner than I was ready to be.
Co-supported my parent's Rent-to-own house, with my Brother.
Broke the heart of a good man, whom wasn't meant to be.
Abandoned my "Christian" faith.
Discovered myself.
Was released from my fear of death, thanks to the healing qualities of Shrooms.
Enrolled in college to learn how to be Self-Sufficient, grow healthy Organic food, and the art of animal husbandry.
Watched my parents duke it out.
Had the police called by my Father, who disregard the fight.
Police solved nothing, and made the situation worse. Instead they turned their attention on me, degraded me, and was forced to smash my beautiful sherlock; Nightingale. (Fucking useless....)
Came to the conclusion that I can't trust my Father.
Reluctantly gave away my 3 babies (Sugar Gliders) in hopes of a better life.
Was evicted by the landlord when my parents weren't matching what we were bringing in.
Turned 21 while being homeless, with no job, for 3 months.
Got tossed to the street like garbage, by someone I thought I could trust, with nowhere to go.
Missed out on a lot of opportunities.
Spiraled into Depression.
Never Gave Up.
Applied relentlessly and daily until I found a job (as an amusement park Ride Operator)
Kept up with and persevered in college, despite an unstable foundation.
Took a Student Loan.
Signed my first Lease.
Got a Second Job.
Almost witnessed my Father succeeding at suicide.
Sued my landlord, and won, my first small claims case over a $950 Security Deposit.
Of which, not even a month after, the defendant (landlord) died of a heroin overdose with the money from my Security Deposit, which leaves me S.O.L. (I'm still totally stewing over this)
Reluctantly had to drop out of college after the second semester because of not being able to make payments on Student Loan (I'd be making payments if not for the heavy loss of over $1225 fighting for my deposit back)
Lost out on over $800 in a Tax Return because my parents claimed me as their dependent
Scraped together a $400 deposit to move out on my own and signed a new lease.
Started living on my own with just a few boxes.
Learned to simplify and be content with the little things.
And watched my brother let insanity take over.

It's been 4 months as of now since I've been living on my own; paying all my bills, budgeting, buying only healthy organic food (not bullshit), scraping by, making a difference, paying it forward, fucking, smoking, relaxing, and enjoying my freedom and independence..

Needless to say, ever since I moved back, I haven't had the time / motivation to work on my artwork...
But I'm hoping that will change. In the midst of it all, I found someone whom I love, who understands me, and encourages me.
We may not have a lot, but he knows me well.
He bought me a sketchbook for my Birthday this last August, and my drive to draw is back.

I hope you all can excuse my leap of absence, as I feel I have more life experience than I ever bargained for.
I'm not going to dwell, but instead learn from the past, and look to the future.
Let's see where the next 2 years takes me, and hope for prosperity.
I'm ready to get back on the horse.

Let's Draw.