Moon Walking on a Treadmill

I hate running, but I run like I am training for the summer olympics 

All the while, my feet stay still

For it is only my mind that is running away

My "what ifs" consume most of my time 

I run from what could be by focusing on what I think should be, and oh - how it ruins me

I am running on a treadmill 

Everyone around me is moving 

Even my own feet go through the motions, but they never actually take me anywhere

Sometimes I think they will, but then all of the people around me start to blur

I realize then that they are moving;

I am the one who is staying still 

I feel like I must be the moon

The moon follows alongside your car at night, but the sad truth is that the moon never really goes anywhere 

It tricks everyone into thinking that it moves with them, but in all reality it is just lighting the way for everyone else

I am a light, but how can I stay bright when it is only a matter of time until I drown in the darkness again?

I am full.  I am half.  I am gone.

No one appreciates the endless light I have to give, but they always find fault with me when I am gone

I am surrounded by darkness all the time, but for  them even one night is just too much to bare

Maybe that is why I am given the responsibility of being the moon

At my weakest, I am strong

I continue to carry on, bringing my light with me wherever I go...even when no one appreciates it

Perhaps someday my perseverance will finally  take me somewhere

Until then, I will keep shining down, and light up as much of the world as I possibly can

Yesterday is Over Now.

9/19/15
Very early in the morning: 

Two years ago at this time, I was probably sleeping soundly in my bed. Little did I know what horrors the daylight would bring. Two years ago at this time, I was a little girl. I thought I was an "adult", but I wasn't...not really. I thought I had been through hard times, but nothing before would compare to what the next ten months would bring. My dad went to the doctor because he was having trouble swallowing. We didn't think it was anything serious, so I was not nearly as concerned as I should have been. Later that day while I was goofing off at home, my dad was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. My mom came in and told me...my dad was still out in the car. It was the most surreal thing to ever happen to me. When Dad came in, I gave him a long hug and sobbed into his arms like a baby. It hurts so badly even now to think of how strong he still was in that moment. His arms around me were just so...strong. I watched my dad turn from that man into to a lifeless body with glazed over eyes in a matter of months. I still miss him so much every day. I miss his hugs, the way he smelled whenever he cleaned up to go somewhere, and the way he would honk and wave every time we passed an SCT bus when he wasn't working. I miss the talks we would have, going bowling with him, and all of the silly nicknames he would call me. I mourn for the moments in the future that he will not be here for. My future husband will never be able to sit down with my dad, and ask permission for my hand in marriage. My dad will not walk me down the aisle on my wedding day. My dad will never get to experience being a grandpa to my future children. At times like this, his death is still very raw to me. Yes, I can be happy. Yes, I still enjoy life. Yes, it could have been worse. But that doesn't mean it didn't happen. I will always miss my dad, and I love him so much. I see him in people and things every day, and I can only hope that I always will. It's easy to take the people you love for granted, but I like to think that through my dad's diagnosis, sickness, and death, I have become much more cognizant of those I love. I appreciate all of the kind words people say to me, and all of the nice gestures. Now to end with a quote from one of my dad's favorite books: 

“Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love.” -Albus Dumbledore

Pictures found on Pinterest.

Silently Exploding 09/01/2015

I am a penguin:  black and white.  I struggle to see the colors within myself.

 

I have wings, but they only serve as a painful reminder that I am incapable of flying.  Everyone around me sees my wings and they ask, "Why don't you just fly?"  I simply tell them, "I can't."  They refuse to accept my answer.  They continue to insist that I can fly if I really want to - if I try just a little bit harder. 

 

I grow so frustrated with all of them - with myself - that my whole body tenses up.  I feel like a carbonated beverage trapped inside an aluminum can. 

 

All of these people just shake me, and shake me, and shake me.  When I finally open up, I explode.  It shocks them all.  They never believed that all of the shaking would actually cause an explosion.

 

After all, I am a penguin...always wearing my tuxedo.  I put on a happy face as I feel the avalanche shift beneath my feet.  I keep smiling as the avalanche pushes me farther and farther away until suddenly, I am not me anymore.  I am the remains of a crumpled up tuxedo, cold and soaking wet, lying underneath an avalanche.  I am suffocating as the snow and my shame engulf me until I can no longer move...I can no longer breathe.

 

And as they stare, they silently wonder why I didn't just fly...

1st picture on www.buzzfeed.com with a link to:  tumblr.com / Via schammelthecamel.tumblr.com

2nd picture on:  https://www.reddit.com/r/aww/comments/1f4syf/baby_penguin/

On the Loss of a Parent

With Father's Day approaching, I decided I would write about something that I have not posted much about on here:  the death of my father.  My dad had a jovial demeanor, was an avid reader and writer, and loved to bowl.  He was only 68 when he passed away, this past July on a lazy summer afternoon.  He had been battling esophageal cancer for over ten months, and was more than ready to go after fighting a hard fight that just could not be won.  It was obviously a very difficult thing for my mom and I to go through.  Throughout the whole experience, we had friends who became family, and family who became mere acquaintances.  It is hard to lose a parent at any age, but I lost my dad literally just a few days after turning 22.  I think this is an especially hard age to lose a parent.  People expect you to be an adult (because you are), but then treat you with kid gloves at other times (because you are still so young).  It is a very peculiar thing.  With that said, I would like to gently point out some things you should do/not do, and say/not say to a young adult who has lost a parent, in my humble opinion for what it's worth:

• Often people try to compare the death of your parent to the death of their grandpa/grandma, aunt/uncle etc.  This is usually meant to be a genuinely kind-hearted gesture...a way for them to relate to the pain you are experiencing.  PLEASE never do this unless said grandpa/grandma or aunt/uncle has raised you and has lived in the same home as you for an extended period of time.  I would not have understood that  at all before my dad died, but losing someone - even someone you see daily - who hasn't raised you is just is not the same.
• Do not avoid a person like the plague who has just experienced a loss.
• If you do not know what to say to a person who is experiencing a loss, be honest.  Tell them you don't know what to say.  It is more comforting to hear that than to hear nothing at all.
• If you find out one of your family members or friends have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, don't ask if there is anything you can do.  Of course there are millions of things you can do, so just do.  I know before I experienced the loss of my dad, I asked the same question to other people, but it is really hard for people to ask for help when they really need it.  It's human nature to want to be independent and to not want to ask people for help.  Don't put somebody already going through a hard time on the spot.  Do not be over-bearing, but offer to drive places if needed, grab extra groceries, or just take a small part of your day to make a phone call or send a text.  It truly makes a world of difference just knowing someone cares.

That's all I have for today, but I hope you found this post insightful or helpful in some way!  Like I said, these are not things I would expect people to know who have not been through a major loss, so from someone who has, please just consider taking my opinions into consideration.  Thank you so much!  And Happy Father's Day...to all the dad's, foster-dad's, adoptive dad's, dad's-to-be, fill in dad's, and dad's in Heaven.  To all of you who are blessed enough to still have your dad in your life, give him a hug for me and take a little extra time to appreciate him.  :)

05/01/15

I like the kind of people who smile with their teeth showing, even if their teeth are yellow or crooked, or they have a couple missing. I like when people dye their hair, and then their roots start to show. I like when men are gentlemen, not because I am incapable of fending for myself, but because sometimes I do want to feel like a stereotypical lady who is worth doing things for. I like the people who make fast food runs at 2 in the morning, and go on afternoon road trips unsure of their destination. I don't always enjoy life, but I love being alive, and that is what keeps me going. That is what keeps us all going in this world: the appetite for adventure, the euphoria, the pain...all wrapped together into one big package. Everyone is unique, but everyone is the same. And we all keep going.
-M.W.
‪

Letter to My Past Self #2

If you haven't read my original "Letter to My Past Self", click here.  I wrote this during my first semester of my first year in college, so obviously a lot has changed since then.  I would like to write a new one...over five years later.  Here goes nothing:

Dear Past Self,

 

How should I even start?  Last time I wrote to you, I thought I had been through the most difficult of hardships.  Frankly, I was wrong.  I have experienced so much more love and loss since I last wrote. 

First of all, I would like to tell you how much you will mature (emotionally) as a young adult, and that you will deal with things you never could have imagined.  Though you may not always see it, you maintain a sense of grace throughout all of your struggles that is absolutely remarkable.

 

Your education and career path will take an unexpected turn, but take note, that it is a very good change.  You will meet some very special children, and very special teachers, friends, and mentors who will become like family to you.  You will get your first taste of what it feels like to love like a mother does (but don't worry, we don't have kids of our own yet!)

 

 

You will also lose some very important people in your life.  All I can say, is treasure every moment you share with your family.  Give them hugs and tell them you love them often.  Celebrate every birthday and holiday with the utmost enthusiasm.  Very soon, those precious moments in your life will become only memories:  make the memories good ones.

With that said, plenty of people love you, and will take you in as if you are their own flesh and blood.  Some of your family will turn their backs on you, but other family members will pop out of the woodwork.  You also have a right to choose your own family by having the most wonderful friends.  Still, proceed with caution:  not everyone is as big-hearted as you are.  Trust people until they give you a reason not to, however when they give you a reason not to, QUESTION EVERYTHING.

 

 

In conclusion, don't stress out so much about the future.  Enjoy the little things, and live in the moment.  That may seem like the most cliché thing you've ever read, but you will soon come to realize how true it is. 

Love,

Me

 

 

Photos Courtesy of:  www.pinterest.com and wherever the Pinterest users got them from. :)

The Stages of Grieving

My cat looks up to the heavens,

As I fall down to my knees

 

I know that praying will not bring you back,

But perhaps it will give me some ease

 

Ease to go on without you

Ease to wake up every day

Ease to bring me some clarity, when I see no reason to stay

 

My heart knows you want me to be happy

I long to set my anxieties and depression free

But how can I even begin to cope without you standing beside me?

 

Someday I will walk down the aisle,

Wearing a pretty white dress,

Without my father to give me away –

To release me from my nest

 

I will be surrounded by people who love me,

But that will never replace,

The look I wish I could have seen, on your aging face

 

You will always be with me,

I know that to be true, but sometimes I selfishly wonder,

“How could you?”

 

How could you leave me here, on this dreadful earth?

How could you leave me here, as you rolled away in a hearse?

How could you leave me here, at such a pivotal point in my life?

How could you leave us here alone – your daughter and your wife?

 

But I have to stop and remember,

You would be here if it was in your control

 

I cannot begin to blame you, for being taken home

I cannot blame God

I cannot blame fate

I just have to rest assured that I will see you again someday

 

For that is the only source of comfort as I get up off my knees

I know you are somewhere driving a bus, though your time here has ceased

I know that you are my guardian angel, and that is what gives me ease

April Fool

Originally written 2/29/2012 with the exception of edits.

 



 

Why are you considered an angel

When you are just an April Fool?

Why am I consistently outcast,

And why do people think that you are actually cool?

I can see right through you

You self-fulfilling curse

To me you are the worst kind of expletive

Too bad to write in this verse

 

What is it that people see

Behind your disgusting face?

Maybe it is just me,

But I consider you a total disgrace

If you are considered a lady

Then I am ashamed to be what you are

I try so hard to be classy

A woman that people will respect

But apparently they like what you have to offer

Which means they like nothing, I guess

Well, if that's what they like

I suppose I have nothing to give

I am way more complex than that

I am not an easy enough catch for them

Well, let me tell you, angel

You may think you have it all now

But when I am alone at night

I may be lonely, but I am proud

And you are just a fallen angel

Ugly, broken, alone

 

 

 

 

 

Graphic found on:  www.weheartit.com

Commatose.

A multitude of wise people have said,

"Don't trust anyone but yourself."

What they don't tell you is,,,

sometimes you can't even trust yourself.

Life Lesson #14: Be the Pizza!!!

Life Lesson #14:  "Stop being useless, and start being pizza."

I honestly wish I could just tell some people this.  It is one of the best pieces of advice I can offer.  The world would be much more productive, efficient, and tasty, if this little quote was true...

I know this is not serious advice.  You should not start stuffing cheese in your ears and stacking pepperoni on your head, but you should stop being useless.  (If you are useless, you know who you are!)

Photo courtesy of:  www.weheartit.com

A Reality Show Junkie's Opinion on "Teen Mom"



Original "Teen Mom" cast

Want to know one thing you probably don't know about me?  I am a self proclaimed reality show junkie.  From "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" to "Big Brother", I love them all.  (Okay, I'm lying.  I do not watch them all, but you're picking up what I'm throwing down, right?  Good!)  One of my favorite reality shows, however, would have to be "Teen Mom".  By this I am including both "Teen Mom" and "Teen Mom 2". 

My personal opinion is that this show and the girls involved face a lot of undeserved criticism.  Many people believe that this show ENCOURAGES teenage girls to get pregnant, which I think is absolutely false.  Most of the people who make this claim have probably not watched one episode of the show.  While I would not recommend it for little girls, I definitely would recommend it for appropriate aged teenage girls.

Together, "Teen Mom" and "Teen Mom 2" follow a total of eight girls throughout their everyday lives as teen moms.  It shows their struggles and strives, and the discrimination they face, but the show also celebrates their victories.  It shows the different outcomes of being a teenage mom - from adoption, to a ton of family support, to very little family support.  I think it is both an educational/informative show, and a persuasive show.  It educates girls, but it also persuades them to be safe and smart while making decisions that could potentially affect the outcomes of there futures.

What do you think about "Teen Mom"? 

"Teen Mom 2" cast

Photos courtesy of:  www.weheartit.com

Truth Is...

Ain't that the truth.  Some of you may have been reading my blog for a few weeks, months.  A select few of you may even have been reading it for years.  So, I bid you the question:  Do you feel that you know me because you have read a few things about me, shared a few pictures with you? 

The answer is no.  You do not know me (unless you have met me in real life of course).  Don't get me wrong - there are many of you I would LOVE to meet, LOVE to be friends with.  I sincerely like some of the people whose blogs I have read, and people who have commented on my blog throughout the years.  With that said, it does not mean I know you. 

I know the people who I have shared secrets with, ridden in the passenger seat by, went to see a movie with.  I know the people who have sucked up to me, put me down, and made me feel inferior.  I know the people who I have been in pictures with, the people who have given me hugs, the people who have annoyed the crap out of me.  I do not, however, know you.  It may be a sad fact, but it's true.

I can think I know you, and you can think you know me, but that fact of the matter is we really do not know each other.  For all you know, I could be a 56 year old man from Antarctica in a civil union with a man who hates beavers.  Granted, I am not.  I do not even know if Antarctica allows civil unions, but the thing is you only know little snippets about me that I have told you.  You know nothing more, nothing less.  Think about this as your are enjoying the internet and social networking.  Though it is fun and a way to make friends, you need to see people, places, things, and ideas for what they really are.

Life Lesson #11 PLEASE be Polite :)

Life Lesson #11:  PLEASE be polite.  :)

You know what I love?  I love it when people are polite.  It really isn't all that hard, yet I run into people almost every day who are completely uncouth or rude.  How hard is it to say, "please" and "thank you" or "you're welcome"?  Does it really take that much brain power?  No!  The amount of effort it takes?  Slim to none.  So why does it seem like there are so few polite people left these days?  Is America really that lazy?  I'm starting to wonder.  No, we do not all have to be like the southern gentleman who says "yes ma'am" and "no sir".  It might be a nice ideal to live up to, but lets be honest with ourselves.  How many of us actually speak that way?  Not me, that's for sure.  However, I always try to say "Nice to meet you," when I am introduced to someone new.  I generally make sure to say "thank you" when someone holds open the door for me...especially when it is someone I do not know that well.  In my opinion, that is how to be polite.  We all slip up at one point or another.  I do, however, try to be polite - especially when I am making a first impression.  Remember, first impressions often stick.  How will you make your first impression?

Photos Courtesy of:  http://www.weheartit.com/

Hello Circus

Sitting here

Not sure of my purpose

Chaos lingers like a circus

I am just wondering

Who I shall be

For the rest of my eternity

Everything's unknown

How am I to know

Which direction I should go

Two options are left and right

But nothing in life is completely black or white

There is so much more out there

That I can be

Just look around

And you will see

Oh, this world

Is such a bountiful place

Though many people in it

Live a disgrace

We have potential

We have a purpose

Never give in

To some fool's berserkness

Photos Courtesy of:  http://www.weheartit.com/

Life Lesson #8: It's Supposed to be Fun

Life Lesson #8:  "Sometimes I must remind myself that this is supposed to be fun."

I found the photo above on a very awesome blog:  Bits of Truth...all quotes, and I thought this was an amazing quote that various people can relate to.

How many times in your life have you wanted to quit doing something?  I am sure all of us have wanted to be a quitter at one point or the other.  However, I very much commend those who stick it out.  It can be an incredibly hard thing to do, but I think it is worth it.  Nobody can rag on you for quitting, and you can take pride in the fact that you didn't quit.  It is just a win win situation either way.  Remember that the next time you are trying to decide whether to quit something or not.

Life Lesson #7: Kill them with Kindness

Life Lesson #7:  Kill them with Kindness

You may be wondering who "them" is.  Well, "them" encompasses a variety of people.  It may be the snobby girl who has always had to one up you since the seventh grade.  It may be the teacher who seems to dislike you, even though you have not done anything wrong.  It may be a group of boys who will not stop bullying you, even though you are nothing but nice to them.  It may even be your best friend, who suddenly decides to turn his or her back on you.

Like many people, you may want revenge.  That is perfectly understandable, but it's about the worst thing you can do for yourself.  Karma will bite you in the butt faster than any ferocious animal.  I have never really been the type of person who has tried to get revenge on someone, but there have been times when I have definitely wanted to.

The thing is, when somebody is bothering you, you want to be the bigger person.  It may not always be easy, but in the long run you will feel very proud that you stuck it out.  I pride myself in not being a quitter, so don't just give up on yourself.

Maybe they will learn from your kindness, and maybe they won't.  I'm not going to lie to you.  Just because you are nice to people, does not mean they will all of a sudden see the light and change their ways.  However, there is a fraction of a chance they will.  You never know how people will respond.  Even if the change is not immediate, they may remember in years to come that you were nice to them.  They may feel undeserving, but they will remember it nevertheless. 

Think about that before you say something rude, and try to say something nice instead. 

Photos courtesy of:  www.photobucket.com



The Fairytale That Has Become of 2010.

I have trouble trying to find good enough words to describe 2010. It has been truly ASTOUNDING!  Last year, I worried I was going to be infinitely single - that I was never going to find anyone who completed me. In my journal on January 1, 2010, I wrote:

“I know I started out 2009 the same way, and I sometimes hate to admit it, but I am SO TIRED of  being single!  I don’t know why I am so doomed to be single!  Maybe 2010 will be different.  Maybe I’ll find someone who loves me, and respects me, and appreciates me.  This is what I hope.”

...And so I did. :)  I went out and found myself the man of my dreams, and I really only had to look right in front of me. In 2010, I accomplished the one thing I wanted most.  I cannot believe I found a guy who fit my description of what I looked for in a guy so perfectly. I used to be so bitter about love.  I hated to look at happy couples because I was terrified that I would end up as the lady with fifty cats.  However, I did not, and I am extremely grateful for that.

As for everything else in 2010...wow. I mean, I had a great senior year of high school. I believe everyone who says that senior year is the best year, because it really is. With the way my freshman year of high school started out, I had no clue that my senior year of high school would be SO much better, to the extent that it was almost unbelievable. Totally unexpectedly, I was elected prom queen. I was humbled, unbelievably, by that whole experience. I won the award for having the most school spirit. I graduated and ended the long, but essential, journey we call “high school”. I was amazed when I was offered a theatre tuition waiver to college, along with a theatre scholarship. I cannot believe I was once the freshman girl who would stare down at the floor and who liked to make believe she did not exist.

With that said, I also started a new journey. I am now a freshman in college. I fully planned on majoring in theatre at the beginning of the year. Now, honestly, I am not so sure what I want to do with my life. I never knew it would be such a hard decision.  Other things have simply become more important to me than the theatre. Ryan, for example. I am not saying theatre is not at all important to me; it has been a huge part of my life for quite a few years now. I am just not sure how far along theatre and I will travel together, hand in hand.

I have definitely become a different person this year. As for lessons, I have learned many.  There have been people who have disappointed me this year, but of course, that is to be expected. I saw the flaws in someone that I basically considered to be perfect.  No one is perfect. Life teaches me that over and over again, every year. However, I also made many great friends this year. I never knew just how many great people I would meet in college.  I was amazed at how some of the people I met were, and are, so similar to me.  I have a wonderful life, and I am beginning to realize that more and more every day. This year (especially compared to last year) has been so incredibly easy. It has been a piece of cake. I have kept my emotions more in check and I have matured by leaps and bounds.

More people have pleased me than disappointed me.  One great loss I suffered this year was the death of my Papaw. It was totally unexpected and hard for me to cope with at times (even though I hardly ever showed it). I did not know how much I would miss him until he was gone. While that was a major downer, I still cannot forget all of the great memories from this year.

By far, the best thing that came about this year was my relationship with Ryan.  I think it shocked almost everyone who knew us when we suddenly got together. We had been talking for awhile, but not many people knew that our late night facebook conversations would soon become a full blown romantic relationship. Heck, not many people even knew we were having late night facebook conversations. However, I am glad that we did.  I know most people around my age say their relationship will last, and in a lot of cases it doesn’t, but Ryan and I are different.  I just know it will work out between us. I fully see us in fifty years, sitting on our couch together. I love him, and I am truly glad I have had to go through so many hardships to finally find him because now it is so good. I am glad that I waited to be with Ryan because some things are just worth waiting for. ;)

All in all, 2010 has been a blast. I look forward to creating a bunch of fun, new, memories in 2011 with Ryan and all of my friends. I cannot wait to see what this coming year has in store for me!!!!!

Life Lesson #5: Sometimes People Care, But Can't Show It

Life Lesson #5:  Sometimes someone cares about you in some way, shape or form, but something else gets in the way. 

It could be pride, vanity, selfishness, jealousy, or a number of other things.  Either way, there are many things that can prevent people from showing the love they feel for you.  It's hard sometimes - for us humans to admit that we are wrong sometimes.  Likewise, it also can be hard for people to admit their emotions - how much they care, or why they did what they did.  It's understandable, though it can be very hard to deal with at times.  Sometimes there is someone who meant a lot to you and you just want to hug them, but you can't because something happened between the two of you.  You aren't able to just pretend like nothing happened.  And that's okay.  You shouldn't have to. 

Life Lesson #4: Adults Don't Know it All

Life Lesson #4:  Authority figures you once thought were perfect, always have the potential to let you down.

You know how when you were a little kid, you thought everyone older than you was so cool?  You thought your parents were perfect, your teacher was the smartest person in the world, and the older kids always had fun.  Then you hit the teenage years.  Your parents embarrass you, you think your teacher is an idiot, but you still strive to be older and older.  You still look up to the adults, whether you will admit it or not.  Well, you know what?  Sometimes you should, sometimes you shouldn't.  Despite what adults tell you, they do not always have all the answers.  I would know, since I am legally an adult.  We don't know it all.  Even people much older than me don't know everything.  We all make mistakes, and there is always room for improvement in everyone.  If you are a kid, you should still take into account what adults have to say, but after awhile, you need to start forming some of your own opinions.  If you are an adult, don't get too self-confident.  You do not know everything like you think you do.

Image courtesy of:  www.photobucket.com

Letter to My Past Self

Dear Past Self,

You worry too much.  You always have, and maybe you always will.  You shouldn't have to, but it is just in your nature to worry.  You wouldn't really be the same person if you didn't. 

I just want you to know how good your life will be.  There will be times in your life that will test you to the max.  The choice you have to make is whether you will allow yourself to play the role of victim during these tough times, or whether you choose to rise above it all.  I'll be honest with you.  There will be times when you choose to be the victim, but that's okay.  It does not make you a bad person.  After all, you are only human. 

You expect so much out of yourself, and because of that you sometimes expect too much out of others.  As a result of this, you find yourself disappointed every once in awhile - sometimes even more often than every once in awhile.

I know you get lonely a lot.  You have never really had much good luck with relationships, if any.  People have continually taught you that you can trust no one, because they will just leave you in the end.  However, I want you to know:  all of that will soon change.  It may seem like you have to wait forever, but remember that little quote you love so much?  "Some things in life are worth waiting for...even if it means waiting forever."  Yeah, that quote.  You knew it was true before, but you will come to realize you believe it with every fiber of your being.  You will find the one you have been waiting for all of your life.  Well, you will discover him anyway.  By the time you realize he is the one - the soulmate you have been wanting to meet all of your life - he will have been in your life for quite some time.  Suddenly, you will see him in a new light, and a metamorphosis will occur right before your eyes! 

Don't get me wrong; there are people who will let you down in life that you never though would, but you must always be the bigger person. You are so strong.  You have been through so much already, and you can make it through this.  I know you can, because I am you, and you are me.  Together, we can do this.

Love,
Me



Quote images courtesy of:  www.photobucket.com