I was thinking today about how my life has changed in the last 5 years. I feel as if I'm on the brink of major change - some of which I'm planning and some I know will come as a result of the planning. I was thinking about how my life has turned for the good in some ways and how the people in my life have colored my landscape.
Corrie: Yeah, she's my sister but she's still my best friend. She has taught me to own my mistakes and that things will work out, even if it seems like they can't.
Ramin & Jen: They have taught me to open up and let people in. To ask for help when I really do need it. To know selflessness. Oh and? They taught me the meaning of true love - they've showed me what good looks like.
Tanisha: To keep working, working, working through tough times. To keep pushing even though your past or even your present would seem to block your success. To keep a friendship alive even when life pulls you in different directions.
Omar (yes, Omar): To begin to understand true forgiveness.
My kids: Flexibility and positivity. As I said in an earlier post, Alex's approach to moving is: "Sweet! What color can I paint my room?!" And Gus when I tell him he can't go to the park because the kids there are lousy: "Oh, are they mean to little brothers and big sisters? Then no way! I'm not going! We'll have fun in the driveway!"
My mom: That even the things that I think are the worst case scenario can still be overcome.
Tony: To trust your friends. To allow myself to just do and say what I feel and not worry about being judged.
Caleb: Caleb taught me to be vulnerable and honest. I tell him stuff that I know he'll be disappointed about but he takes it, offers advice and we move on.
Cindy: She has taught me that even though we experienced almost every stage of our lives together (junior high, high school, college, 20's, etc.), good friends can and do still have enough in common to spend an afternoon laughing together (and spilling drinks).
Jen & Dawn: My first "girls." I was always jealous (and a little confused) by my friends saying that they were getting together with "their girls." It seemed mystical. And then I met Jen and Dawn and they have become "my girls." I tell them everything and they don't judge me, they ask for my input to their problems and they make me laugh until my sides hurt, even on bad days. They have taught me to be a part of a group and not worry that I'm not keeping up, or playing the right part. They've taught me to lean on them when I have a rotten day and they always offer their open arms.
Joe: Joe taught me to appreciate nature. Yeah, no kidding, I'm saying that. He taught me to love being outside in the rain, snow, sunshine, wind and sleet. So, this has been a priceless learning because sometimes I just go for walks or runs to just get away from everything and think.
The Abdelwahed Family: This family has taught me the meaning of family. No offense to my own, but this family has adopted me. Even though I am legally divorced from all of them and I've shed their name, even though we've all had our tough times with each other, they've looked the other way, raised their chins and walked right through fire for me. In return, I've learned to do the same and to understand that they've become my family not because they have to but because they've wanted to.
Victor: I have learned how to quite literally cheer for and be proud of someone I've helped and watch grow professionally and personally. He has taught me that a random lunch and coaching session can be so rewarding, so exciting that I love to volunteer to coach others whenever it's asked of me. GO VP!
I realize this might come across as sappy, but I think it needed to be said. And I swear I'm not drinking. I also know I'm going to wake up for the next 3-4 nights freaked out, adding comments and additions. Thanks guys - you all are shaping me into a better person, every single day.
Sounds like you have a great bunch of friends and family. I am proud to be mentioned. Maybe we should all get otgether for the Crusty Pickles friends and family Picnic....
Posted by: caleb fullhart | March 23, 2010 at 07:50 PM
I think so, Caleb! Christy is my hero a lot of the time.
Posted by: Corrie | March 23, 2010 at 10:55 PM
awwww! we (your friends) LOVE you crusty! you have provided great advice and lots of guidance to me over the years and for that i am grateful and appreciative. <3 *hugs*
Posted by: Tanisha Watley-Winston | March 24, 2010 at 10:10 AM
You've made HUGE strides in the last five years. I couldn't be more proud of you - and of course those two little munchkins you have living with you! Seems like life unfolds in ways we do not anticipate, but it still is good.
Love you.
Posted by: Mom | March 25, 2010 at 09:55 AM