Today

I have a great life. It isn't perfect, but it is the life I have. I was speaking with someone today and we were talking about someone who upon meeting them stated, "I am not happy". I thought about that and thought about my life. I thought, that sometimes it is as simple as deciding to be happy. Every once in a while, I need to look at my life and do an honest appraisal. I have a good marriage, great kids, a job I like and friends I can count on. It is so easy to focus on what I don't have and what I want, instead of all of the truly great things and people in my life. Most of all I remember that I can laugh. The last year has been a bit tough, but it is because of all the great people in my life, that I can get through the tough times. Apparently, life will continue to happen..people will get sick, not get what I think they need or deserve,people will die. I will walk through all of these things. Hopefully, I will be able to do this in a way that helps someone, or is an example to my children. I will only be able to do this because of the example of those who came before me and walked the path that I follow. I always have my friends and family that I can count on. Maybe the miracle of it all of this,is I know to ask for help when I need it. All in all a pretty good day, I decided to be happy today.

Moments and Miracles

There are times when I am able to realize that most of the miracles that have occurred in my life, have occurred in moments. Some of them have been small and some have been grand. Some of them have changed my life in large sweeping ways and some in small, but significant ways. All of the miracles in my life have been people. They may have been doing the work of God, but that is not for me to decide. When I was in the first grade and it was the day of my first communion, me in all of my regalia and all of my family in attendance. My father had a break in his psyche, or so it seemed to me. What I remember is anger, fear and the need to escape. The police were involved and we all piled into a 65 Mustang with me still in the 1st Communion dress, possible the veil and my Barbie case. The person I most distinctly remember is this kid from up the street. His name was Michael and he was a foster child. I wasn't entirely sure of what that meant, but he was there and I was embarrassed. He wasn't much older than I was, but told me that I shouldn't worry-everything would be all right. I don't know why, but I instinctively believed him. I can't tell you if we ever had a conversation before that or after. But he was there and he was the miracle that I needed. I often wonder if he was even real. I hope that he has had great joy in his life. I hope that I have been able to touch someone in that way in my life. It would be nice to be part of a miracle.