Starting Over

I used to have trouble getting to school. I don't mean I couldn't find it, I mean I could not get there. I walked to school as did every other kid in the neighborhood. It was about 1/2 mile a way and yes it was up hill both ways. I would start out in my uniform with my book-bag and head down the hill. I always ended up back home. There were a variety of reasons...my hair wasn't right, my socks wouldn't stay up, my nose was running....I ended up back home and in tears. I would sit on my Mom's lap and she would tell me to start my day over. I would sob and sniffle and gulp for air and tell her I couldn't. She would hold her hand about a half an inch from my face with her palm facing my forehead. She would slowly lower her hand until it reached my chin. If there was no smile, she would start again. I have no idea how long it took, but I know that some days it took a number of trys. I would eventually leave and walk to school. Throughout my life I have needed to restart my day and in some cases my life. How great is it that we get second, third and more chances. I also am in awe of the patience that my mother had. I am pretty sure after the first few times, I would have lost my mind and shouted "GO TO SCHOOL ALREADY !!!!!" Fortunately for me, I was treated with love, understanding and patience. I am grateful that I do not need to restart my life much these days. It is a blessing to get up and do what is in front of me. I have reached a sense of peace with who I am and where I am in my life. I no longer want to be anyone else but who I am. Sure I would LOVE to be thinner, have more money, etc, but I really wouldn't want to change who I am or what happened to me that made all of this possible. Not bad considering.