My parents, who are visiting for Xmas, had an early birthday celebration for me last night, since they are flying back east before my b-day. During the celebration my Dad had everyone say something about me.

My middle son said that I was the strongest person he knows, how I have been getting through the divorce and the last few years blows him away, he knows I am always there for him.

My youngest said pretty much the same, and that I am his role model, his "rock".

I don't cry (much or often), but this brought tears to my eyes, lots of tears.

It is worth it.

The standing for the M
The pain
The heartache
The working on myself
The standing for myself in the end

It is worth it.

They watched, they saw, they know the truth of the last 3-5 years.

To everyone who is standing, has stood, whether reconciled or not, whether 6 months or 6 years.... Your kids watched, they saw what you did, how you did it, they saw your stength, your hurt, your weakness, your growth. They watched you cope and grow with perhaps the second hardest thing humans have to experience. They watched how you handled yourself, and watch how you are now handling yourself.

It all matters.

It IS worth it.

All of it.

“Be like the forces of nature: when it blows, there is only wind; when it rains, there is only rain; when the clouds pass, the sun shines through.” ~ Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching


In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer. - Albert Camus

Uncertainty is the very condition which impels people to unfold their powers.-Eric Fromm