There comes a time in everyone’s life that marks the beginning of their understanding that the world is not always a pretty place. For some it is the loss of a loved one. For others, the witnessing of a horrific event that leaves them in doubt for the rest of their lives. My so called “awakening” was the day I turned eight. My birthday party was something that every little girl dreamed about. Everything you could think of was there. The only damper, for me, was my best friend was not allowed to come. By my parents orders, not hers by the way.