i n s p i r e d . . .

I put away the rubies when you told me you fell in love.  It doesn't feel like I have to wear them anymore.  You no longer need me to carry on for you, so as I closed the drawer, I smiled.  Even though we had a good run, this is what we both wanted.  I want her to take my place in your life and for you to need my friendship less and less.  Not because you've been a burden or a drain, but because you deserve the whole package all wrapped up in one person.  I truly hope this new path meets with your forever and every moment is just one more second away from a better perfection.   

There is something deep down in my spirit that I can only connect to when I'm sitting on the shores of happiness.  This year meant the most to me for many reasons.  One being that it will never happen again.  We had such an amazing time.  I only wish I could bring myself to put forth more effort to indulge in the things that make you happy.  I'm blessed to be with someone who understands me the way you do, though.  I think it's really sweet the way we are.  It will be great to try for it again next year.  Can you believe we've been married for ten years?  

A friend recently confided in me a loss she experienced long ago.  Ever since then, in moments when I least expect it, the reminder of our conversation resurfaces and it saddens me.  In a considerably short time, she and her little sister had been through what seemed a lifetime of uncertainty and abuse.  They leaned greatly on each other to survive.  All they really had was each other for support.  And then one day, tragically, through actions that were completely out of their control, her sister's life was taken and she was left to endure on without her.  I can't stop thinking about that now and all of the struggles my sisters and I went through.  As much as we bickered and got on each other's nerves, I absolutely could not imagine growing up without them.  I am so grateful to still have them in my life.  We have changed in many ways but will always have our history in common.  I'm thankful, knowing if I need anyone to understand where I've been and how far I've come, I have four people I can count on for that.