Monday, January 24, 2011

2011 vs 2010

I know it sounds so trite, but new years tend to signify new chapters, clean slates and opportunities for us as individuals to say, ok, do over. I will admit that as 2010 turned into 2011, I fell into the habit of doing just that. 2010 stunk. Plain and simple. So, when looking to leave that behind, one will look anywhere for a new start. I was no exception.

The funny thing is that what I thought 2011 would represent has just recently gone from a new start to a second chance.

Hindsight can certainly be clearer than a crystal ball. So, in looking back at 2010, I have to acknowledge the lessons learned that I plan to carry into 2011 and beyond.

Listen. Talk. Stop. Pay Attention. Recognize. Be sincerely thankful and love with everything you've got.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Oh the difference a year makes

Hell, where to begin...

I could try to think of clever song lyrics or some other cliche that might fit the bill, but this is my journey, and I don't think even Sinatra has the words in his catalog.

I've seen a lot, and I have missed a lot. I've learned a lot about myself and others, and realize that the more I learn, the less I know. The more people I meet, the more I love my dog. And the more places I go, I wish I could show those things to my kids.

Ah, but they are not really my kids.

Funny, that topic, and how it was not supposed to be a chapter in my life. Ever. And yet it was. Maybe still is. I'd like to think that it still is, if only in memory.

Two little people who met me when they were 7 and 9 and their world was getting turned upside down. I had no idea what I was getting into, and neither did they, but what an impact they had on me, and hopefully I am not leaving them with a staggering therapy bill in their future.

They taught me how to look at the world differently, and they made me see the impact that love has, when all else is going to hell. I may have taught them how to behave at a 5-star restaurant, but that's nothing compared to what they taught me. From these two little people, I learned that love is really all that matters. They showed me how to go out into the world on days when it was the last thing I felt like doing. They taught me what it feels like to want to protect someone at all costs, because man, if anyone crossed them, I would have killed them.

They taught me the power of a hug, and I don't think hearing the words "I love you" ever mattered more than hearing them say it to me.

So, that chapter is over. It's not the same as it once was, but that does not mean that I am not still learning from them. And if I am the slightest bit lucky, they will someday remember that time together and hopefully the therapist will accept their health insurance.