I hear all the time-“you’re so strong”. Well, let me tell you something, I’m not that strong and if I am strong, in any way, it’s because I never had the option to be weak-from a toddler to today.

I am a tapestry of my family upbringing and my life upbringing. That is to say, all the people I’ve met and loved, the places I’ve been and the experiences I’ve had, have played a role in my attitude and who I am. All these stitched together make me strong:  family, friends, playing sports, jobs-co-workers, late night conversations, games, adventure, food, songs, books, travel, trials and tribulations, mis-fortune and good-fortune and an unquenchable thirst to learn, to see and do more. 

Life is dynamic. It’s a mosaic of ebbs and flows, a series of ups and downs.  I’ll tell you, I’ve had more ups than downs in my life by far. That said, I’ve had my downs. I just don’t focus on those and won’t now. 

The ups are easy, everyone wants a piece of the good times but the downs are when I needed y’all most and you answered that call. For every down I’ve had, you’re all there to push me forward and experience life, good or bad, believing any darkness can’t hold me down and that anything is possible. With each of you, your presence in my life has been unfaltering, a steady force which grounds me, bringing peace and comfort to any storm that touches my life. You’ve made the laughter louder, the tears ones of joy, and my life fuller every day. 

Nothing is forever, that’s what makes life so wonderful and interesting. Having memories with each of you, individually and as a whole has enriched my life immensely.

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to repay your prayers, encouragement and support fully to the extent I’d like to do, ever. Thank you for taking this journey with me. My heart is full.

They say life’s short. Sometimes too short. I know I’m living on borrowed time and I plan on using my time left to enjoy everything life has to offer and find the things it doesn’t and enjoy those too! I’m still the luckiest girl in the world. My new motto is Do!