My Glass is Half Full...

(FYI - I started this post before the fire. It’s taken me a while to finish it, but I didn’t want to waste it!)

We are three-quarters of the way through 2011 and I will have to say that this has been a difficult year filled with challenges and mixed blessings. Instead of dwelling on all the bad things that have happened and the state of our economy, I am choosing to look on the bright side of things.

Even though jb is over 3,000 miles away, she is happy, healthy, employed and engaged. Mandi is getting ready to start a new phase in her life as she moves to New York, but she will be with her big sister and will be getting to experience all that the Big Apple has to offer. Beckie is thriving as she discovers more about her passion for writing while sharing it with children through her internship. All a mother can really hope for is that her children are happy and healthy. They all rise up to meet the challenges that come their way and are better for it. I marvel at their bravery and fearlessness. I am a proud mama.

Otherwise, I’ve gotten to see just about all my family except for one sister and her family - I miss you, Stef! We have travelled and gotten to share in all kinds of celebrations – birthdays, a wedding, a graduation and even a stage debut. We continue to be fortunate enough to spend quality time with a small force of nature named Viliamu once or twice a month.

Many people are facing unemployment and hardship, but Ron and I are gainfully employed. Although we would love to be able to sell our house and move closer to where we work, we have a comfortable home and it provides a good home base for the girls. And who knows? Maybe there’s a reason why we are meant to stay in this house for a while…

Finally, since wild fires swept through Texas leaving my mother without a home and most of her belongings, the important thing is that she got out of the house in time. She is well and has a place to live until she and Aunt Esther find another place to call home. Sure – it’s sad that these ladies have to start from scratch, but maybe if they think of it as a fresh start, it won’t seem as bad.

I choose to believe that everything that happens – happens for a reason – to teach us something. It’s not always obvious what the lesson is because we are often too caught up in the tragedy of it all. I’m doing my best to “be still” and listen to the universe. I should have learned this lesson earlier in my life, but I’m not quite 50 yet and at least I learned it!