"What are you up to these days?"

Have you ever built something up in your mind that you can not ever achieve it?

I was so psyched about the time I would get to spend with my friends, and I suppose I imagined it would go differently.

(mind you much was unavoidable, that is not what I am talking about)

I had a complete blast on the first day spending time with V & A's kids and evening with many of our fellow 1991 Grads! 

It was so effortless, genuine and I am thankful for that time.

 

I am so happy I was able to see (and spend time with) A, V, J, K, & P.  I really enjoy all of thier company!

I feel like I have such a different life than many of my friends. 

I feel it is hard for me to relate, engage & contribute sometimes.

For example: 

I do not have kids

I consider myself very successful (I am alive, and I have dedicated my life to helping others).

I dance

I paint

I create

  I really don't care what other people think 

I am not a fake person

I live my life as an adventure.

I try new things

I take pictures

(not for me but for those that come after I am gone)

I know myself, and I don't participate in faking it for pomp and circumstance sake.

I am honest

I am REAL and I live in the NOW.

I feel like this is what many people want to say and don't.

I also have had to deal with a few very large things that many others haven't.

For example:

30 +surgeries, 9 majors, a multiple other procedures

(and everything that entails)

A disease that NO ONE can fix

(and everything that entails)

No children-I can not have them.

(hardest thing ever)

Imminent death if I didn't have a lifesaving surgery.

I have to work, to have insurance, to pay for the drugs, to stay alive.

I suppose I have a much different point of view.

My struggle is with trying to survive, literally.

I could have spent 45 minutes at the reunion, left and enjoyed my evening. 

I felt super guilty that my friend wasn't able to attend, and I couldn't get it out of my mind.

I kind of felt like...what do I say, really?

My truth, is not a glamorous one but I am blessed to still be here. 

The eye of the beholder!

Sunflower field in Yellow Springs, OH

I found this sign on my drive home from my reunion.
Sparrow is my nickname, it was a grace that my detour
was the correct choice for me that day.

I feel like there is so much beauty in the world...it is so taken for granted. 

I have identifed what a few things are that make me truely happy. 

Excited dosen't even begin to cover it!!!

Anna, Vicki, Susan & Jennie

I am off this weekend to celebrate (our) my 20th High School Class Reunion at Archbishop Alter High School. 

It is so exciting to know that my best friends from high school are going to meet me in Dayton to attend this exciting event.

(I am slightly skeptical-but open minded). 

We have been through so many things in our 25+ year friendship. 

I have found that the connection between the four of us varies (as we all have families), but we cherish the time that we get to share with one another.

I am honored that my friends send me photos of their children so that I may share  watching them grow.  I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would not be able to be a mom, but my dearest friends/family really include me in the exciting times.

I swear I have at least 2 pictures of each of these children on my cell phone at any one time

(unless my hubby downloads my iPhone).

I am so blessed that all of us made a commitment to stay connected.  It is a bond that will never be broken.

Thank you for being real friends. 

Your unconditional love and support is a true gift!