HOW TO GRAB THE BRASS RING



I met with a friend this past week who I knew in high school and through the magic connectivity of Facebook, became reacquainted.

When I first moved to Lewisville, it was the end of my sophomore year. I was scared senseless moving to a new please, and being that I was a teenager nonetheless...not my most confident of times...then add on to that my mother was fighting for her life, which she lost all too soon to colon cancer. I was definitely caught in what felt like a kaleidoscope. Just as I'd get a feel for something, it would change.

I didn't meet Andrea until my Junior year, but knew of her way before that. She was a very tall, very beautiful blonde and always smiling. As I found out later, Andrea was going through her own kaleidoscope of changes as she had been diagnosed with a severe case of Graves Disease (a thyroid disorder) and the life she had always planned to have, was abruptly put on hold.

Mind you, while all this was going on, I had no idea. Honestly. Her appearance changed and yes, I suppose I noticed that, but what I always and more importantly noticed about Andrea was her geniuness. She always greeted me with a smile...even when she didn't know me.

Very long story short, I guess you could say that disease is part of why Andrea is who she is today. We never know the 'why' of the curveballs we are thrown in life. We are just expected to deal and make quick adjustments. Most often, we don't make said adjustments all that quickly or successfully. At least according to onlookers who seem to always know the 'better' way or the way it 'should have' been done. Such is life.

Andrea took hold of her life and decided she wanted to do something that made her happy, which included making films. And writing. And editing. And helping others.

So last week when I went to see her for the first time in person since high school, I wasn't sure what to expect. We've been communicating for awhile via Facebook, Twitter and emails, but I had that feeling of when I was back in high school. "Will this popular girl even notice me?"

I had to be 30 yards away when I heard, "Terri!" as she saw me first. She was seated behind a table, signing books for people who came to see her. I was greeted with a big smile. Big hug. Classic Andrea. Extremely glowing, confident Andrea.

She is the type of person who inspires me to never give up on hopes and dreams. To own what is rightfully mine. To reach down further than I think I can in order to grasp that little something extra I need. She is a giver and multitudes of lives have benefitted just by knowing her. I count myself as one of them.

With all she has going on during what is a very crazy time in her life right now, she sat down and asked me about mine. In detail. We have talked about what both of us have been dealing with in each of our own little worlds through emails and while I would have understood if she didn't recall my 'drama', she did. When a friend walked away for a moment and left us alone, she moved in a little closer and asked, "Okay, I know you said you are doing okay, but are you? I mean really?". And while I wanted to get an update about the things going on in her world, it just wasn't the time. She was beaming. Family and friends around her. And I mean who wouldn't be happy with a giant poster...I mean huge...of the front cover of their book blanketing a bookstore?!

Her most recent book is out now and it's lovely...no pun intended. :-) It's titled, "Live and Let Love". Her first book is equally inspiring titled, "Note to Self". You can click on the link below to see her interviewed on Good Morning America this past February.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Books/video/more-than-just-romance-women-compile-love-stories-12840367

Congratulations on all your successes, Andrea. I am so happy to know you, as well.

Andrea Buchanan

I'M SUCCESSFUL, DON'T YA' KNOW?!

I have to preface this post by stating the reason I am writing this. I started this blog, as you may know, as a way to chronicle events in the kids lives (as well as mine) so they can always go back and read even the most small, silly things. It's easy for parents to recall major events in their kids lives on down the road, but it's the day-to-day things that make them who they are I want them to remember.

In any case, one of Shelby's challenges right now is her spelling. More so than the average 2nd grader, but we're working on it. This will pass and she will grow to be a very successful and productive part of society and have a wonderful and loving family of her own, etc... . All the things that really matter in life. I only say this because she is very sensitive about it, has been made fun of at school because of it and I am in no way trying to point out something she considers to be a "negative". I just happen to know something she doesn't know right now and that is: Her spelling will improve with time and work. :-)
That being said, and knowing how most kids spell phonetically at some time or another, she provided me with a memory I will have for the rest of my life today. Because I'm able to look at it through my "Mom" eyes in the future and not my worrisome/educational eyes of today.

The 2nd grade class at her school hosted a Mother's Day Tea today. Each child was supposed to use the letters of their first name to describe their mom.

I've decided I am going to frame this (KR already said if I don't, she is going to!) and put it by my bed. That way, before my feet hit the floor each morning, I'll read at least the first and last words and figure that will ensure a great day!

To top things off, Ben told me, "Since Shelby got to say nice things about you today, I want to also." I told him, "Great...go ahead."

"Mom...I love you more than old people love orange juice."

That's right.

"Wow Ben. That's huge!"

"Yep...big time, mom!"

I ask you, am I the luckiest, most blessed mom in the world? Yes. Yes I am.

I'LL REMEMBER

Today started off with me waking up Ben first to tell him of Osama Bin Laden being killed by Navy Seals. Mind you, he was in a deep sleep. I told him carefully what happened. After all, I didn't want to insensitively use words or a tone of celebration at someone being killed...even this monster (though I believe he more than deserved it).

Ben's response? "Yes!!!!!! Suck it!". Then looks at me as if, "Oh man...I'm going to get in trouble for saying that."

Quickly he tells me the only reason he is so excited is that now everyone in the world is safer without him on the earth. I agreed. And added perhaps he come up with some more educated words of rejoicing. :-) But that we'd let it slide this time!

Shelby responded with, "Is that the man who was really, really bad and wanted Americans to die?" I told her it was. "Well...that's good then. He should've given up."

It's a historic day indeed. Some have compared it to Hitler or Stalin dying. Saying although Al Qaeda doesn't die along with Bin Laden, the master-mind behind it has been extinguished. And that is huge.

I'll never forget where I was on 9/11 and I'll never forget where I was when I found out the man who perpetrated that horrific day was finally brought to justice.

I'm sure many young men decided today that being a Navy Seal would be a pretty great job. Not fully understanding, of course, what exactly goes into doing what these great men do.

I'm amazed by and grateful to the men and women who serve our country. And yesterday was just another reminder that whenever we see one, we say, "Thank you for what you do."

It's the absolute least we can do.

REJOICING IN INSUFFIENCY...I'M TRYING

You'd think by now, I'd be at least a little okay with change.

Truth be told...It still scares the hell outta me.

I live every single day as if I have it all together. I plan what I should plan. I take care of the business I'm supposed to be taking care of, at least to the best of my ability. I know there isn't enough time in the day some days, but I do what I can.

And although I should only be answering to three people here on this earth (me and my kids), it still seems as though I need the approval of others and for the life of me, I can't figure out why. I know I'm a smart person. I know that only I am privy to all the information in my life that goes into making decisions.

And I do have some decisions to make.

A "pros and cons" list is simply not going to work in making these decisions. Why? Because there is no column for risk. And being in the position I'm in these days, this type of risk holds larger consequences in my world. At least to me. While I know I'm not totally alone in all my responsibilities, I also know for the most part...it's just me. And two little ones who watch every move and choice I make.

I feel like I've let them down in some respects. However, I also know I've done more for them than they realize...and I'm thankful they don't feel that burden of knowing.

But right now, I'm lost in how to make these decisions. I'm confident of one thing: HE will help me choose to the best of my ability. And He is the only one who matters.

"When some basic need is lacking - time, energy, money - consider yourself blessed. Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Me in unshamed dependence. Rejoice in your insufficiency, knowing that My Power is made perfect in weakness." (April 30th, Jesus Calling).