Here is a short list of things I love and why.
1. Coming home on a Friday night – after making that drive all week I’m always relieved that we’ve made it through another week and we have two whole days to rest and recuperate right here in our own little paradise. The only things that intrude from the outside world are the things that we let in. Peace, quiet, and serenity. It doesn’t get any better than this.
2. Holding hands with Doug – I love him more than yesterday and can’t imagine where I would be without him. He constantly amazes me with his thoughtfulness and kindness.
3. Spending time with my Mom – As I get older and my mother gets older, I realize that the months and days we have left are limited. I want to enjoy and appreciate all that she has to offer me. When the day comes that she is no longer on this earth, I want to know in my heart that she knew she was valued and loved and I didn’t miss a chance to let her know.
4. My sister, Trisha – She is my one, true friend that I know will always be there. I feel kind of sad for women who don’t have this connection in their life or maybe they have a sister but they don’t take advantage of it. We share a history and a future together. Her accomplishments and her tragedies are my own and mine are hers.
5. Three girls – Lindsey, Carla, & Kristine – Doug’s daughter and my two neices. Lindsey is like my own daughter and I appreciate the fact that she has a wonderful mother who allowed me to be part of her childhood. And of course my sister would share her own two daughters with me. Watching these three little girls grow up and become happy, well adjusted women is truly one of the greatest joys of my life.
6. Joseph & Kennith – my sweet nephews. It seems like I never get to spend enough time with them. They are both sweet, thoughtful young men. I could spend days and days with both of them and never get tired of listening to them. I look forward to spending more time with them in the future.
7. Holding my friends close to me – Your friends change over the years. Friends you knew in elementary school and beyond change. Maybe you don’t have as much in common as you once did. The friends I have made since I turned 45 I have found to be truly priceless. Most of these I value because I can be open and honest without feeling that I am being judged.
I could go on and on and on, but these are the main things that are important to me. We all have our own list, but this is my main list. All of the other things can fade away and vanish. As long as these things are present – I am happy and content.