i AM lucky!

When I was in eighth grade at Milliken Middle School, I can remember sitting in the small gym with a group of girls waiting for the class bell to ring. I was in that great time of life, called puberty, when you constantly feel fat and ugly, unpopular, unfunny, etc. On that day, a girl named Bonnie G. was sitting with us. While I would never refer to her as one of my great friends, I had been in the school system with her for years and we were amicable with each other. Although I have long forgotten who else was sitting with us, I will never forget something she said to me. She looked at me and said, "You are so lucky." I couldn't figure out what on earth she was talking about so I had to ask. "What do you mean?" Her reply were all things that I had taken for granted. She said she envied me because I could run the two mile run, I could do a toe-touch jump in cheerleading, I had made good grades, I had tons of friends. . . I can't remember all of her reasons. I do remember the feeling I had as I realized I did have it good. But to me SHE had it good. She could get her bangs to do that three-inch high feathery thing, she had a great spiral perm, expensive clothes with BIG hoop earrings, boyfriends. . .

I have been thinking on that day a lot lately, and now I am grateful for all the wonderful things in my life. Things are so good right now that I want to remember it this way for a long time. Our marriage is strong and better than ever. Luke is the apple of our eye. He is full of sunshine and energy (most days), and to me, he is the most beautiful child to ever be. (I think as a mom I am allowed to say that.) My dog drives me crazy during the day, but at night he is the best cuddler. I couldn't ask for a more loyal dog. My house isn't, and probably never will be, as clean as it once was, but thats okay. I judge each day by looking around and thinking. . ."should CPS show up on my doorstep today, would I lose my child?" The answer is usually no, so I just get down on the floor and read another round of Go, Dog, Go! with Luke. I try to find fun things for us to do every day that I am off. We can pay our mortgage. We can pay for gas. We eat dinner at home most days of the week. Every night, I soak and relax in the tub--even if it means that I don't get to bed until 1 am. I have job security. Even if Parkland should decide to give me the ol' heave-ho, I could find a job here with out having to move. I love my job. My family is here. I see my mom and dad at least once a week. They love my husband and my son. They puppy sit crazy Hank. I love my friends. They are the best friends ever. They are all so different from each other and they all have qualities to be admired. I could tell them "You are so lucky!" For what? For your free spirit, for your love of family, for your common sense, for your loyalty, because you know how to BE a friend, because you're a great nurse, because you're a great mom, because you don't care if you're skinny or not.

Couldn't wrap this up with out a photo of my pride and joy!