Blessing #12 - Friendships Forged In Fire

Some friendships are life long companionships of based on habit.  Some friendships are explosive connections based on emotion.  Some friendships are comforting touchstones that soothe our blues away.  Some friendships are energizing talismans that brighten our sunny days.  Some friendships are uncomplicated, straight forward, modest affairs that fits neatly into our expectations.

Then there are friendships forged in fire.  These bonds are deep and abiding ties that are formed through the trials of life.  The parties could have started as lovers, coworkers, competitors, or even long time acquaintances, but the one thing they all have in common is that the bond between the parties has been strengthened through shared trauma or passion in a way that makes this person indispensable going forward. 

I have been blessed with multiple friendships that have not only survived the fire but have actually strengthened in the wake of our lives.  I thank you all for being active participants in the joy and sorrow that has been my journey.

Blessing #11 - That One Special Teacher

Today is the birthday of my favorite teacher.  Somewhere along the way each one of us meets that one educator that challenges us to look deeper, believe harder, and create more than we did before.  For me, and many others who have come before and since, Mrs. H. has been that inspiration to excel not only in the eyes of the world but in the hearts of ourselves.  I hope that my children are as lucky as I was when fate through her my way all those years ago.  Happy birthday, Mrs. H.  May your blessings continue to grow to be half so full as the love you have given to your students.

Blessing #10 - Jim Parsons

My favorite actor from my favorite show just won the Emmy for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series.  Woowhoo, go Jim Parsons and the Big Bang Theory for making prime time more bearable again.  Your spot on portrayal of Sheldon is the ultimate in nerd-vana. 

Blessing #9 - Miss Libby

I never thought I wanted a daughter.  I was so sure that after a lifetime of being anti-girlie that I wouldn't begin to know how to be a mother to this precious little woman child who has come into my life.  Now everyday I wish she were here with me again.  I would give anything to have that chance back, but for now I have to be content with knowing that her father loves her enough to make up for the loss of me. 

Blessing #8 - Letting Go

The best blessing you can give yourself is letting go of the B.S.  At the end of the day you have no power to control what is going to happen in your life.  All you can really do is make sure you react to whatever is thrown your way with dignity, grace, and honesty.  At the end of the day that is THE blessing that gives birth to so many more in your life.

Blessing #7 - Persistence

Stick-to-it-ness....that stubborn headed, stiff lipped need to keep pushing....that is a blessing we bring to ourselves, and when we reap the rewards of persistence it is special indeed.  Congrats, Greg, on not giving up or losing hope.  Your pay off is that first paycheck in 2 years you just cashed and the pride that can only come from knowing better times or on the way.

My brother, Greg, cheesing after cashing first paycheck in 2 years.

Blessing #6 - Menards and Muscles

Dad replaced the faucet today.  Mom said it's been busted for a year, but today he replaced it with a brand new fully functional Moen faucet.

Blessing #5 - The Still of the Morning

Before the world wakes up, when it is just you alone with your thoughts and a cup of coffee (or in my case Diet Coke) there is a peace that nothing can quite compare to.  I always feel blessed when I manage a few moments alone with the morning sun before facing whatever the day has in store for me.

Blessing #4 - Random Roadside Statues

Igor the Mouse

Cock-a-Doodle-Who?

Touchdown Jesus a.k.a Butter Jesus burned by lightning strike June 14, 2010

Making people smile since the invention of the wheel...

Blessing #3 - Smiles

Today I decided to bless myself and my family with a smile....

or two....

Or maybe more....

Yup....there's nothing quite like a smile...

Blessing #2 - My Babies

If this listing was in order of importance, this one would be on the top of the list hands down everytime.  I have wonderful children. 

Jamie, Libby, and Ryan strike a pose for their last formal portrait together.

Jamie is smart and sensitive.  He's always been the kind of kid that you can reason with, and he has been blessed with an amazing intelligent mind that amazes me.  He has grown to be one of the most loving people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. 

Ryan is fiesty and loyal.  He isn't afraid to take chances or embrace emotion.  He is witty, fun, and fearless.  Having gone through so much in his short years, he can be exceptionally stubborn when hurt, but loves with all his heart and really knows what it means to appreciate the people in his life.

Libby is brash and bold.  She approaches life with a take no prisoners attitude that I wish I could learn.  She's the first one to pull the tears from my eyes every time.  She has that inexplainable ability to steal one's heart within moments.  When I found out she was going to be a girl, I was so scared that she was going to be a girly-girl that I wouldn't be able to relate to.  Instead God sent me a angel that may prefer Sleeping Beauty to Speed Racer, but she can hold her on with the boys without breaking a nail.

Libby, Ryan, Jamie, and I cuddled up during July 2010 visit.

I have been so lucky to meet the three of them.  I'm proud to call them my own, and I have been blessed beyond measure for the time that I have gotten to spend with them.  Hopefully I will be blessed with many more moments in many more years with them, but for now I count my time with them as my greatest blessing.

Blessing #1 - Second Chances

Four years ago next month, I began a free fall that changed my life forever.  September 3, 2006 Logan Pennington, one of my favorite classmates from high school, was killed along with his brother by their father who then turned the gun on himself.  September 26, 2006 Christopher Allen Todd my best friend and the man that was supposed to be my youngest child's godfather committed suicide.  I had recently been diagnosed with seizure disorder and narcolepsy, was in the process of a divorce following a violent and bitter relationship, and had begun to fall back into the pattern of distructive thoughts.  I was tired of being strong, and I was tired of fighting the good fight...so instead I fell...and fast.  I tried to drink away my grief, guilt, and pain.  I started pulling away from anyone that caused me pain, even if they were trying to help.  I quickly moved on to loosing myself in a party lifestyle to keep myself numb to the pain and give me the energy to face the day.  I whithered away with each breath.  I lost my kids, my home, my job, my car, and my self respect in a short order.  I became a ghost of the person I had been in every way,

Then and now....Picture on the right was taken early 2007.  Picture on the left was taken August 2010.

but I have been blessed with a new lease on life.  Everyday I feel myself getting stronger, and I've even begun seeing the beauty surrounding me again.  I'm back up to a healthy weight (okay a little more than healthy now), and I have begun to explore the myself through drawing, painting, and writting again.  I've learned to love my strengths instead of cursing my limitations.  I know see the world ahead of me as an adventure instead of a death sentence, and that's why my first blessing is second chances.