Sunday, January 26, 2014

Thanks For Passing Through My Life

When you're writing sometimes you need a character to enter in the storyline for a specific purpose and then be on their merry way.

That is like life, too.

I was thinking about a face book post one of my friends made the other day.  It was one of those general posts that I hate because you really don't have any idea what they're trying to convey.  I think they were referring to someone they missed, probably an ex.   

It got me thinking, though.  Sometimes, even those that you're sure are going to be in your life for the long haul, just. simply. wont.

It's hard to wrap your head around.

Even a new born, how many people have already come and gone in a babe's small life the first few weeks?  Much less your life as an adult... I'm not referring to death, but those that simply move on in a different direction than you.  Some are in our lives for a fleeting moment, and some for a season.  Some people flit in, ruffle things up, and vanish before you even realize they're there.  Or perhaps there are those who come at just the moment we need them, to help pull us through something, and then like that- they're gone.

I've come to learn some people are only meant to be in your life for a short time, while others are for a lifetime. 


I don't believe in destiny, but I do believe there is a reason and a purpose some people are in our lives and some aren't.  I do believe in God’s will.  We have free will to make our own decisions.  Each decision we (or someone else makes that affects us) is still an intricate part of the web of life and something more. 

I believe people are in our life to serve a purpose.  They come in when we least expect- to make a difference, to help, or to teach us something.  They invoke humanism, put things in perspective, let us love, and sometimes leave to force us to grow. 

Sometimes you're the one in their life.  Sometimes it’s your path crossing theirs, and while you may walk with them for a period, you’re not meant to stay in their life.  You're the one that's supposed to touch them. 

That’s the hard part.  When the season in your lives together is waning and it's time to part ways... sometimes it hurts. 

I think of those I’m blessed to have in my life now.  I only hope that I do the right things for those who’s lives I’m in.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Changing Perspectives



As you know from a previous blog I'm writing about my divorce.  Here is a skeleton I had to let go recently.  My anger for someone that tried to comfort both my ex and myself in the best way they knew how.....


For so many years I was so angry with you for a particular letter you wrote that I read when I wasn't supposed to.  You probably remember that.  It's funny how even after years have gone by you remember a few particular details and not much else.  It’s those things that can sculpt and transform your memories and continue to draw conclusions to this day.

A while ago I ran into this woman who spoke to me for probably twenty minutes and she knew all about me, the kids, Kirby, and even my divorce.  It was a pleasant conversation, but through it I just couldn't place her.  After she left I asked Kirby who she was. When he uttered her name it rang a bell and I was like “I don’t like her! Why did you let me talk to her for so long?”  Obviously I didn’t mind her very much because we had a quite wonderful little conversation.

So I realize I have to revamp my perspective on things.  I have to let go of invisible chains (perhaps chains I didn’t even know I clutched so tightly) and draw new, more realistic, conclusions.

I know when my first marriage dissolved I felt betrayed by the family and friends of his I had been a part of and loved for so many years.  I felt they "took" his side (And now I see it was rightly so).  I think that was probably one of the hardest things I ever endured.  I lost the man I committed my life to, I lost my closest friend (who was the true betrayer), and I lost a family that took me in and practically helped raise me. And for a time I thought I lost my God.   

In hindsight, I can say if it were one of my children that made a mistake, no matter how abhorrent, I would still pick their side and support them.  I had a lot more support than I realized (sometimes it’s hard to see when you’re blinded by so much hurt) and I know back then (and even now) my ex needs his family and support. I know that you, and everyone else, did what you felt was the best thing you could do, given your knowledge of the situation.

I can’t imagine how hard it was for friends and family to eventually “pick” sides.  I can’t imagine balancing my love for my child and my love for their (future) spouse when things get rough.  I hope not, but I know some day I may be in the predicament. 

So anyway- the point I’m making in writing to you today is because I read one of the comments you made on my old blog.  The few that are left from that dark time of my life.

I know there were things I participated in that were mishandled and in my pain I was misguided in my part.  I felt the victim, to which I still believe for the most part I was, but I know that I wasn’t completely blameless in the outcome of everything.  I did what I felt was the best I could do at the time.  Of course there are things that pop into my head every so often and a wave of embarrassment washes over me.  But I can’t do anything about the woulda, coulda, shoulda’s now.  

So anyway I want to thank you for supporting me as best you could and for the kind words you did leave for my benefit.  The words I chose not to clearly see in that difficult time.  

Gwyneth asks what I think of her (dad's) family and I can honestly say I still love them.  I told her I miss being a part of it, but it is what it is.  I’m no longer a part of that side of the family, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care.  

...and now she has another family that adores her.  A family that took me, and my children, in with open arms.  I think my children are pretty lucky in that perspective.  Something bad happened to me and as a result they are loved even more.   

Bad things happen.  But let's not dwell on that but focus on the good things that have happened.  I love deeper than I ever imagined I was capable of.  I recovered my struggling faith and as a result it is unwavering. 

So I hope you aren’t angry with me for writing, but I just wanted to tell you how I feel after reading one of the comments you made on my old blog.  Perhaps it sank in after seeing it with new eyes.

Vacation Day

So this is an older one (just a month-ish), but I chuckle to myself every time I think of it.

My work you use your vacation or lose it.  So I had a half day left and it was toward the end of the year.  I looked on the calendar to see who all had the day  I wanted off.  I saw "H" written in the calendar.  I didn't know who "H" was (maybe Harper?) so it must not be any office person.

So I write up my request and turn it in requesting half of Christmas Eve off.  I thought it would be nice to get off a little early.  Tom (my boss) looks at me funny.  "If you really want it I'll give you the entire day."

"I only have half a day"

Looks at me funny.  "You do know we're off that day?  It's a Holiday."

"Oh...  so that's who 'H' is!"

LOL

Sometimes I don't know about myself. 

Monday, January 13, 2014

Where has the time gone?

Have you ever written a book?  Part of the reason I haven't been on my blog much is because I have.  I completed my first novel, approx 95,000 words about this time last year.  I am currently waiting on editing to be completed.  Instead of going through a professional editing service (that would cost approx $1250-$4000) a couple friends are assisting me. 

It's taking forever.  I'm so anxious to get it finished.  I wonder if I might have a shot at getting it published.

Mean while, my blog continues to lack because I am currently working on my 2nd and 3rd books.  

One of them is a true account of my divorce.  Obviously from my perspective.  Although I would be interested in the other parties views, that would require me talking to them about it... I'm sure my exhub would give me some feedback as we communicate pretty well for the most part..., I'm not sure about seeking the ex friend.  I know she works with one of my aunts and a cousin, but I have no intent to contact her.

It is actually very hard to write, despite the years gone by.  I'm facing a lot of old demons.  I'm dragging things out of the closet that have been wadded up in a corner for years.  I'm amazed at my strength.  Some things still affect and bother me to this day, but I'm stronger and better than those. 

Honestly, I think my story could help people.  Those who are going through a lot of hurt and pain.  At least that is my intent.

Of course if you're wondering all names and identifying characteristics will be changed to protect those involved.