Everyone Has A Story - Entry #2

I don't know if you will ever get to know the person before I was known as "wife" or "mommy". But that person didn't have the strength that I do today. I was born to parents on the verge of divorce. My sister and I lived with a single mom (Gronni) who worked night and day to support us. She did her best. Being a mom is not easy and doing it alone is unimaginable. I tried to have a smiling face all the time - my sister, Aunt Jamie, probably witnessed a lot more anger and sadness in our house and I think I felt I had to be the "happy one". That eventually caught up to me and the facade was broken by sadness and an attempt to take my own life at the age of 17 yrs.

But you wouldn't know any of those things about me without your mommy sharing this with you. And I do share this with you because EVERYONE HAS A STORY. From the pretty girl to the handsome boy, to the poor family to the wealthy family, to the doctor, to the gardener, to the person at the toll booth. They all have been on a journey that we don't know anything about. We may run into them when they are having a good day, or we may be the one that smiles at them and brings a bit of joy to their rotten day.

I hope that when you run into someone, whether on purpose, like meeting up with a friend, or colliding with a complete stranger, that you leave them with your love, support, smile and kindness. You never know the impact you are making on that one person. 

To My Children

Our Family 2012

Dear Ella and Sidney,

My Life Lesson #1 - First Entry
I don't want to wait until something happens before I start sharing with you my dreams for you both. It seems like we all create a bucket list when we find out our life is coming to an end, but why? Why not live your dreams while you can, while you are healthy, capable and can share with everyone around you? I also think people don't share their true feelings about their friends and family. It can lift someone up when you least expect it so always be forthcoming with a kind word. You have the power to change someone's life.

So here is my attempt to tell you how much you mean to me and as I continue to write, I will share with you some of my own dreams. I am so lucky to be on this journey with you and I am honored to be a part of your lives. I love you. - Mommy

I am incredibly blessed to have two amazing children.
Ella - you teach me how to love on a daily basis. Today, I burned my finger on the toaster and without hesitation, you came up to me and hugged my leg. And you didn't let go until I reached down to kiss you and tell you mommy was ok. I am so grateful for your kindness and love. It makes me incredibly proud.

Sidney - you make everyone smile around you with your cute wave hello to everyone. You also make people laugh - even when you are torturing your sister by pulling your hair. She still thinks you are funny. And I have to believe that you get the power of your smile from your namesake. He was a wonderful man, my grandpa Sidney and I miss him everyday. I am so grateful that I can see his spirit live on in you.

I am going to try and write to you both as often as I can. This will be our little secret. My way of giving you a bit of advice - just in case.