I took this photo in
February of 2012. The daughter and I had gone to California to pick up a
friend. She had lived with us briefly, then she wanted to start afresh with her
family nearby, so we took her to Arizona where she joined another friend who
took her the rest of the way to California where her family lived. When this
photo was taken - just a few months later- things had changed, and she wanted
to come back to New Mexico... and so we were making a trip, again, to go get
her and her things. She would end up staying with us again until June... and
then our friendship ended quite abruptly and finally.
Friendships are
hard.
Some of the hardest
events of my life, ironically, have been events surrounding the loss of a
friend or loved one. Sometimes it has been because of death... sometimes
because people change. I have been through all kinds of illness and
hardship.... and I will never understand the things that people sometimes do to
each other. Intentionally or not, it can cut us to the absolute core.
Growth is optional...
But if we are to survive,
I think (most of us) have to try to make some sense of it all …glean some
positivity from an otherwise bad outcome.
In light of that.... I
will say; that had it not been for her, I would not have been to California...
Or had opportunity to see the Pacific Ocean -which was amazing. I hope to go again sometime.
This photo was taken in
Clear Lake, California.
We had stopped as she wanted to see some folks... and so we wandered around the lake that is in the middle of town. There
were these areas of spindly trees, that I can only guess were surrounded by
marsh/ water most of the year. It seemed very other-worldly. There were tons of birds and ducks on the
shoreline... and it was incredibly peaceful. Leaving the wooded area... I came
across this rock with the simple phrase "You are Beautiful" written
on it.
Today... I want you to
remember that YOU are beautiful.
Trials may come and go. Friendships may come and go.
No matter the way others
see you... No matter what life
throws your way....
you can deal with it and come out even stronger and more
blessed for the journey.
See you all tomorrow..