School is out! When did that happen?

Sara is no longer a 2nd grader. Where did this year go? How did that happen? She has grown and changed in so many ways. She has learned to stand up for herself more effectively. She has learned to work in groups better. She has learned how to resolve conflicts with friends better. She has learned to handle gentle teasing from classmates without jumping to the conclusion that they are bullying her. She seems older, more mature and more independent. She is starting to do things for herself more around the house and take on more chores. She even negotiated effectively for the implementation of an allowance. It amazes me that she has this whole life away from me that I am not a part of. She gets on the bus, goes to school for 6+ hours, comes home and does homework with little input from me. What does she do all day? How did she manage to grow up right in front of my eyes without me noticing? What's next? A job? Apartment? Husband? Kids? I think this whole growing up thing is completely over-rated and should stop. Or at least, slow way down. She will still cuddle with me but it's not the same. I'm very proud of my not-a-2nd-grader but I miss my baby.

What's your story?

Everyone has a story. It might be an adventure tale, an inspirational tale, an entertaining story, a sad story or a story with a happy ending. No one has a real life fairy tale. No two stories are the same. The characters are different. The plots vary. Everyone wants to tell their story. Not everyone wants to hear it because they are too wrapped up in their own lives. But you should take a minute to listen to their stories. You will learn, be inspired, and challenged by the stories of others. I have learned things in the most unexpected ways from the most unexpected people. I've traveled in Asia, Europe, the Caribbean. I've had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Interestingly, the people I click best with are sometimes the people I have the least in common with (on paper anyway). The most important thing I have learned? My life isn't as difficult and tragic as I like to think. My husband is gainfully employed at a job that he loves. We are happily married. We have 2 healthy children. We have good friends and family. We have a place to live.

After a lot of thought and observing other people, I've decided that the moral of my story is this: surround yourself with people you care about and who care about you. Take chances, be open to new ideas and experiences. Never judge someone at first glance. Be willing to forgive and give second chances. It will open doors for you. You will be glad you did. It will make your story a better one. It will make you a better person.