I met up with a friend last night for dinner and a little "catch up". Given that we seem to have a knack for spacing our visits out to 5 years plus, the latter can be quite educational. In this particular instance I was provided with a story that would probably make for a truly sensational book (or movie come to think of it) if you could actually get people to believe it was all true. I won't go into details here, but suffice it to say I left the restaurant last night feeling like one of the luckiest people on earth. My seemingly dull, NORMAL, everyday life suddenly has a completely different shine to it and all of the little challenges that Rich, Dan, Josh and I have met with over the past year or two really seem very, very small in comparison.
In the grand scheme of things, we are exceptionally lucky to not only have each other, but to also have the unconditional love of friends and family. I SO wish I could say the same for my friend. Yes, she does have a family that loves her and supports her, but she's also in the middle of a situation where a portion of her family has all but abandoned her. I can only imagine how difficult that must be. Yet, here's the remarkable part. She still shines with inner conviction, strength of purpose and an unabashed determination to do what is right for the underdog and the ones who have no voice. All I can say to that is "You go girl!"
In light of all this, I'm looking at my often crazy busy life thinking how blessed I really am to have so many GOOD things to pour myself into. I complain from time to time about how hectic my life is, how thin I am stretched running from one project to another but much of that is my own doing and all of it is for a good reason or cause. None of it makes me sad, tests my scruples or jeapardizes my integrity. Really, isn't that what matters?
I'm also thinking I have a circle of family and friends that I wouldn't trade for anything, and I am eternally grateful that my two boys are extraordinarily normal. Don't get me wrong, they each have their own unique gifts to share with the world, and each is a delight to me in their own way but, deep down, where it matters, they're just GREAT kids; straightforward, honest, all American boys with optimistic outlooks, realistic expectations of what life will bring, and clear ideals for what is right.
So, what's my point in all this?
Nothing much really...but I would ask you to take a good look at your lives and consider the idea that the life you are living might just be the paradise we've all been searching for.
Oh... yeah, hug your kids too.
Toni
