I know it's only October, but I felt like it was the perfect time to reflect on what is important in life. I know I'll have more to say about being thankful later, but I really needed to get this off my chest. First and foremost, what makes me happiest is that when I wake each day, my family is with me. Their love is strong and steadfast. They are who get me through each day to the next. Whether it's an encouraging word, a hug and a kiss, my boys are ALWAYS here for me. Just last month, FAMILY had my heart again. While in New York to commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I had the opportunity to spend some much needed family time. This visit has imprinted my heart. It meant the world to me that my family was with me to share a day that I'll not soon forget . . . reading the names of victims of the 9/11 attacks. My cousin Jane Marie (Dennis' sister) made her first visit ever to Ground Zero, a visit she had dreaded for years. I wasn't sure she was going to show up, but when I walked out with my reading partner, there she was with her sweet husband Brian. It made what I was about to do even more amazing; it made the entire trip!
Here we are all together the night before 9/11 sharing a glass of wine with my Aunt Renee.
From left (front row) is Kelly, Aunt Renee, Courtney, and Bonniel. Back row is Jane Marie and Me.
Family is EVERYTHING . . . but having loving friends and people that you associate with on a daily basis is pretty important to me too. So when someone betrays that friendship, it's a hard pill to swallow. I've met some amazing people in the 3 years that I've been in business; new customers, new friends, vendors. The list goes on. In the economy we've been dealt, it's so nice when we can help each other out. I could spend a day listing all of the people who have helped me along the way. There are many. It's not my intention to derail this post by outing someone; that's not my style. Let me just say that I DETEST MEAN GIRLS. So when a MEAN GIRL rears her ugly head, it makes my heart sad. That happened this weekend, and I've watched as the claws have come out. It is ugly and small and as my Mother always told me, "birds of a feather flock together". So I'm just going to remember that I have a loving flock of family and friends who are ALWAYS here for me. I don't need the negativity and bad juju in my life. ONWARD AND UPWARD.
So, today I'm proclaiming that I will not be bullied, I will back away from the drama, and I will be the best friend I can be to those who consider me their friend. Life's too short people.
