Lucky....

Last week I was taking somewhat of a political stand...and just so everyone knows, I'm not saying you aren't entitled to your own beliefs...I'm just expressing my opinions here. However, this post I thought I would dedicate to people I feel lucky to have in my life...just because lately I've been depressed and feel like I might be coming out of it for now...

Tony - You truly redefine the meaning of loving someone regardless of their faults/problems. You see me for who I truly am, even when I have so much going on in my life, I sometimes lose sight of that - and you still love me. You help me see the more rational side of things, when I would sometimes like to focus on the irrational. You help me to put things into perspective, to realize that there is only so much I can do to make people realize how much I care about them, only so much I can do to try to help people who might be beyond my help. You make me see that not all problems are easily solved, with medication or even a solution. Just by listening you help me to be a better person, and you don't let me get away with doing things that aren't good for myself or the people around me. You really make me look at myself and see what things I could change to be a better girlfriend, role model, friend, daughter. You are a wonderful Dad, an incredible boyfriend, the best friend I could truly ask for in someone I would spend my life with. You are supportive in whatever I want to do, whatever drives me, and for that I am grateful. I love you with all my heart. You made me believe in love again even after I thought it impossible to find.

Martha - I don't think there are words for how much you mean to me. You are my best friend, my sister, my confidante, my co-conspirator. I don't know what I would do without you. You have helped me through the most difficult time in my life, and stuck by me when my world was falling apart. Thank God for Friday lunches. No matter what uncertainties in life may come - there is always one certainty for me - I know I can depend on you. For whatever I may need, regardless of the cost. And you may do the same with me. I will truly enjoy growing old with you to call my friend. I love you, thank you for everything you have and will continue to do for me.

Kim - Although it seems sometimes like we are not that close anymore, it only takes a Friday night and a couple of hours to get back on track. You are one of the sweetest, most honest people I know. Although you've been unfortunate to experience a myriad of hurts in life, I know that you will one day find peace and happiness and never look back. It is my fervent hope and prayer for you. I love you and I'm glad you are still in my life.

Denise - So hard to believe that we are still friends even after all these years. I've known you since I was 6, and I swear you haven't changed even a little bit! You still have the long curly hair I was so jealous of as a kid in 1st grade. Now you are a wife, and a soon-to-be mother. What changes life brings. I am truly happy for you, and can't wait to meet the little Elliott when she arrives. She has quite a legacy to live up to! I look forward to telling her tales about her mom and I in college (don't worry, I'll fluff it up - and I'll wait until she's old enough to appreciate and know the difference)! I enjoy talking politics with you, or just talking about anything in general. We've had some really great times together, and I know we'll keep having good times long into the future. When you can drink again, and eat sushi - first round is on me! I love you girl.

Linz - We've known each other for forever, too. Seems like every skating memory I have involves you somehow. We've both been through similar tough situations in our lives, and thankfully came out of them stronger and better women. I am so excited to be a part of your wedding in a year and a half...it's going to be a beautiful and special event. I'm glad we have skating to keep us close, because it seems like we've both become so busy with our lives. Thanks for being there when I needed you to be, and thanks for bringing me back into something that I truly love, and didn't realize how much I'd missed. No matter what happens, I hope we stay friends for the rest of our lives.

Mom - I know life dealt you a difficult blow to deal with when Dad died. But think about how much stronger and more independent you are now than 2 years ago. You are a totally different and capable person. Sure, there are still some mountains to climb, but you will get over them and get well. I am so proud of how far you have come, but keep pushing because you still have farther to go. You CAN do it. I believe in you.

Ant - Being around you makes me realize that I would be lucky to have a kid like you. I only hope that I have the parenting skills your Dad does to make that happen. Keep up all the hard work in school...even if you don't enjoy it now, you'll understand it's meaning when you get older. I love you kid - even if you never read this I hope you know that - you are cool and I'm glad that I get to do lots of fun things with you, like go to Phillies games, go to the shore, etc.

These people all make me appreciate the meaning of integrity, honesty, respect, and commitment. Thank you all for being you. I'm also lucky to have other people in my life, even though I don't know all of them that well yet... Jenn and Steve, Matt and Amber, Dave and April, Dave and Christie, Mike W., Ollie, Megan, John and Nikki, Amanda, and if I'm forgetting anyone, I'm sorry! But I'm glad to have all of you in my life.