The hardest lesson for me is acceptance of things I can’t control.

This past week... the family has been hit with a harsh stomach virus, the transmission is going out in the Jeep, my roof is leaking, my mother’s health continues to decline, the local water department sent me a bill for over 700.00 dollars, my youngest son’s girlfriend was in a wreck (she has only had the new Jeep for one week) and the VA wrote back that they don’t know anything about Steve’s medical history past 2005, this is even though I sent them the actual medical transcripts. So, once again I have to step up and provide documents that they have already been given. They seem really, really incompetent. There are times I will sit on the back deck, hug Mighty Quinn and tears will slowly start flowing on their own. Bless my furry companions. Have I mentioned lately that I miss my better half?

Is the cup half empty? Or is the cup half full? Well, everyone is coming out the other side of the stomach virus. I can still use Steve’s old vehicle until I come up with the cash to fix my Jeep. His truck is running just fine. I have a secure job. I’m able to earn the money I need to keep a roof over my head, food on the table and feed for the animals. With time, I will get to the roof and Jeep. My mother and I still have some time together. I’m just grateful that I can hear her stories about her childhood, her life and our family history. I have been taking pictures of my water meter so I was able to provide proof that I don’t owe a blooming 700.00 to the water department. They are going to adjust the bill. My son’s girlfriend walked away from the wreck without a scratch. Yes, it’s bad that her vehicle came away hurt, but she is physically safe and sound. I have the needed proof to resend to the VA. Sooner or later, they will have to step up and honor his widow’s benefits.

Here’s the thing … the cup is actually full. Filled to the rim with life’s gifts.

Every single person has these daily struggles. I’m not unique. There are plenty of folks that carry much heavier burdens. How can you live and not face personal struggles? I haven’t met someone who’s life hasn’t been touched with joy, sorrow, obstacles, failures and success. It’s totally part of the journey. My thoughts... the most important part is when something hits you between the eyes, get back up. If it hits you again, get up again.

If it knocks you down a dozen times, get back up and look it in the eye. No matter how many times it takes. And, keep the heart open.