I Get By With A Little (Make That ALOT) Of Help From My Friends

We often hear people say that when something drastic happens in their life, people come out of the woodwork. Well, if that is true that last few months have proved my life could be the billboard for a lumber company.

Back in June when I went in for emergency surgery I was so incredibly humbled and blessed by the outpouring of love and support shown to me by my friends. My surgeon even asked, 'Where do I get friends like yours?" to which I replied, "Church" =) During that time I was amazed that people cared so much about me and for me. Spending countless hours at the hospital, running errands for me and my mother, being there when I got home, seeing that I did not lift so much as a finger -- sometimes literally -- was more than my medicated emotions could often take.

I have relished in the fact that for the better part of 10 yrs. I have been very independent. I have not relied on parental finical support, except on my birthday and Christmas, I moved to a big city up north where I did not know a soul -- can I get an Amen -- and have had a whirlwind of job changes and losses to occupy the better part of 5 years. I knew how lucky I was to have found a church like FBCA and the friends I had made there. I counted my lucky stars that I had this incredible network of folks, like minded and encouraging, to spend time with and fill in the gaps until "real life" took over.

However, as we all know in our hearts or will learn first hand, you don't know how good you have it until it is tested. That is the lesson I was so honored to learn, and yet still to this day try to think of ways to pay back all of those that where here for me in June. I don't think I ever will be able to meet that debt, and yet it is one, unlike my tab here at the hospital, that I will never be asked to settle.

And thus, we are here again. Back in the hospital and astounded by the care, love and support that has been shown to me by so many of my friends. From stopping by to check on me and say hello before heading home for the day, bringing me real snacks and hours of fantastic entertainment with "The Office" season 5, or once again holding my hand while blood is drawn. I am amazed that while my "single" status would lead some to believe I was alone, I am far from it. Instead of just one person to hold my hand, I have many. Instead of just one person to check on me or bring me something, I have many.

My women's bible study this week is on walking through the wilderness. I was yet again amazed at the timing of this. Just a few hours before being admitted, I was with some of these wonderful friends learning how the wilderness can come at any time, but we are never walking through it alone!!! The Lord knows how hardheaded I am and has shown me in tangible ways, how He is here with me every moment. What a comfort!!! (even during the needle sticks)

So, while this was not in my plan for the day, as my IV nurse said; "You know what they say when we tell them our plans, God laughs" -- he loves Jesus..., it is better to be safe than dead and I will take my little overnight stay and my newest addition to my hospital water jug collection and write yet another chapter in my book, filled with the wonderful ways God shows me He loves me and cares for me. (it is worth noting, I think I am getting the message, but if for some reason He still needs to make it clear, I'd pray it would not need to be another trip to the hospital on a Monday...just a suggestion) :)

Ooops...I Had a Gaffe!

Merriam-Webster defines Gaffe as: a social or diplomatic blunder, a noticeable mistake...

Nothing could be more true!! Having worked in politics for the last nine years (eekkk) you become costumed to the idea that at some point you, your candidate (or boss), a staffer, or even an intern will say something they should not or were not supposed to. You wait like a lion for its prey for your opponent to commit such an offense -- making information or an opinion that was not intended for public domain available to anyone with access to YouTube. This can result in a situation that can leave you laughing or crying the rest of day. So was the case for me yesterday.

Now, without going into detail, I can rest in the fact that my Gaffe was not as wide spread as some others. It will not end up in the pages of Roll Call or The Hill, and I can sleep knowing that John Stewart will not see it worthy to mention on the Daily Show. However, it was embarrassing and left me wanting to bury my head in the sand for the majority of the day.

Lucky for me, I have some amazing friends, including the unintended target. I was assured that I would soon go from crying over spilled milk to laughing about my blunder. And low and behold, they were right. After many reminded me that in fact it could have been worse, I realized that yes...it could have, and for all the times I have opened my mouth at the wrong time or spoken inappropriately, this was just par for the course. I owned my mistake. Apologized. And, am moving on.

I survived being mortified, and even look forward to sharing the story with two friends that unfortunately are absent from the situation. I know both of these fellas will get a big kick out it and hound me mercilessly --- bring it on!

Words are powerful, and how we react and respond to them holds just as much weight. We are taught to choose are words wisely...here is the other lesson, when replying to an email...make sure the "To" column is really only going to the intended person and not the whole group. : )

Our lives are full of Gaffe's. And, after my most recent blunder I realized, I can either bury my head in the sand, or look up and remember that for the vast majority of the population, these are moments that make the stories worth telling!

Sing Me a Song...

I love music...country primarily (I buy into the idea it tells the stories the best), 80's power ballads, southern rock, and anything that can evoke an emotion and take me back to a similar time (of youth).

With that however, comes the fact that I am an emotional sentimentalist who wears my heart on my sleeve just as proudly as the strain of pearls around my neck. Thus, I usually refrain from those emotional mixes that will conjure up images of lost love or chances that past me by. On the other hand, it seems like a double edge sward.

If we never listen to the sad songs, how will we ever fully appreciate the love songs?

So, I have vowed to starting listen to all those glorious renditions on my IPod. Bring on the "I Told You So" right after the "Blue Clear Sky!" It will be good for me after all...right?

I find I get lost in the words that are sung. "I Go Back" to those times when life seemed just perfect the way it was in that moment, the pain of "Letting Go," and the constant task of saying "Goodbye Earl" while realizing "She's In Love With a Boy." The writers of these songs, whether they be sad, loving, angry, playful, or sentimental hope to help us express those feelings we are not always able to do on our own.

So, "Bring on the Rain" and the tears, the smiles, and yes the memories: good and bad. "Life's A Dance" and a song, and in the end it will be a beautiful melody to be played "When We All Get to Heaven."