You Take the Good, You Take the Bad

It's that time. Holidays. I have sort of been dreading them this year, for obvious reasons. I determined early on to look for the good, and focus on the positive. I truly have not had to look that hard. The generosity, support, and love from friends and family has been amazing. From our Secret Santa coming every night, to the many packages sent to Afghanistan; from phone calls to emails to texts just dropping a line to see how we're doing; from the many prayers offered on our behalf to all the friends who know how to make me laugh: we have been blessed.


Our opportunities to communicate have been limited lately, due to insane schedules on both ends, and crummy internet. Last night, we finally got to catch up for a bit, and when we were done, I laid in bed and cried. Our marriage is not perfect, but it's really solid. We are great friends, and I never doubt our love. This week was our five year anniversary, and I just missed him.


I have noticed that for every difficult moment I have, I seem to be afforded twice as many positives. After my pity party last night, and later on today, I had a really fun time trading old photos and stories, and "watching" the Pats game on FB with some of my best friends from college. These guys kept me in line when I was younger, and all turned out to be top notch men now. You guys are one in a million, thanks for being there. I hope circumstances find us meeting up in the future... I want you all to meet the man who tamed me. :O)

THEN:


NOW:

If that wasn't enough, I went to my mailbox today and found this little surprise:
*Thanks to the lovely and talented LisaMarie for this necklace which I will wear a lot. A simple yet empowering message, which I have chosen to believe is true.

Lastly, this cat loves me. We still haven't named her, but she basically just wants to be by me all the time. And you know what? I LOVE IT. We cuddle, we hang out, she purrs, and I feel relaxed. I am so glad we decided to keep her.

I miss my husband with an ache in my heart that nothing can fill. But I continually feel the outpouring of good in my life, which dulls that ache and gives me strength to check one more day off the calendar. Thank you, to all who are dear to me. Much Love, and Merry Christmas.