Contemplative

Today I would love to go to this bench and just ponder. I don't feel well and I don't want to be at work... but we do what we need to do in life. Mentally, I will be sitting right up there. I will be thinking about the wonderful friends I have made online. I will be thinking about the human spirit and how resilient it is. And I will be thinking about life's lessons. Sometimes, in the throes of receiving those lessons, life can totally suck. But once we receive the lesson and grow through it, we are better people.

I think of the multitude of lessons I have received and I am grateful. I have been through numerous personal trials and challenges. And yes, for that I am thankful. Each one has had a part in making me who I am. And as I stated before, I like who I am.

I have met so many people online, most recently through my blog. Years ago... about 13 years ago, I think... I was going into a chat room in my home town of Corpus Christi, Texas. I was homesick and it seemed like the best way to sort of be there. Anyway... I made friends with this woman whose login was 'sunshine' or something to that effect. We chatted for a year before she made a connection and sent me a private message "is so and so your grandfather?" That freaked me out, but I said yes. "Did you live at such and such address?" Yes again... and I almost disconnected. However, I asked how she knew information about me. She was my 2nd cousin who I had not seen in over 10 years, and then it was mostly at family reunions. We had an entire year to grow a bond, then found out that we were family. Small world.

I am grateful for challenges, for my spirit, and for friends today. What are you, my friend, thankful for?