A welcome sight

You feel the warmth in their eyes and know you made their day. And they made yours. No one has to say it, but you know it. I sat in my car hesitating for about 10 minutes before gathering the courage to go some place I was a little nervous about going, but I needed to be strong. And then, I saw it. That through the craziness and uncertainty, I knew I was a welcome sight. I also knew that what I saw was a welcome sight just as much. When you almost sigh in relief and know you are "home". When the smile becomes so big that you know you are showing it and you don't even care who sees it. One of my favorites memories is pre-9/11 when we used to get to walk down to the gates and pick up my husband from a business trip with our first son. We didn't always go, but if it wasn't too late, Josh and I would make the small little trip to the Omaha airport to pick up "Daddy." We never really stood towards the front of the line, but stayed back enough to let the have enough room to get off the plane and those that liked to be in front, be in front. Josh must have been about 2 when we saw his dad and went running towards Mike, saying, "Daddy!" over and Mike knelt down and scooped him up in his arms. I'm telling you...it was like a commercial. Josh seeing his dad was a welcome sight and it may be something those two don't remember but I will, and I will always remember how I felt at that moment too. When someone shows up unexpectedly or you just are so excited with anticipation that when your eyes finally connect, you know. You just do and you become a welcome sight.

"There are good times still to be had"

As I was flipping through the channels today, I happen to hear the above phrase and thought it was most appropriate. Do you know that it is ok to be happy? One friend I saw today said she has laughed more recently than she has in a long time....I am so happy for her although in doing so, it means a different kind of like for her and her family. EZ - there are still good times to be had. We just need to know that it is ok to look for them, enjoy them, and really treasure them. I have said it more than once, but I have been having a ball living my life these almost 2 years now. Some people don't get it, and I can't always explain it. Another friend I had not seen in a while and I got a little caught up today as well. She told me that liked the old "Homme" so she cannot imagine what this "Homme" is like. I told her that this one is SO MUCH better. I apologized to her for not really letting her see the real me. Before we parted, I told her I loved her. Not sure what she thought, but I really don't care. The point was for her to hear it from me, with me being very open with her. Maybe for the first time when I was completely open with her. CW - glad we are where we are....Good times are exciting and just around the corner every day. Some we have to look for in order to have them. Other times, the opportunities just come to us. Even we are not sure that that was the intention. But as I look back at easy, seemingly insignificant details, I have to chuckle quietly. So far, I have had a lot of good times....some not so good, too. But I realize that when I focus on the good, I see the good. I love the good times. Just know that you can still have good times...and they are yours for the taking. ENJOY!!!

Have you seen SPIRIT in action?

I know it is Halloween time, but I am not talking about "spirits." I mean truly see someone or people just shine. As I was out walking this morning, this kept coming to me..I was so afraid I was going to forget it. Example one - last spring, it was the opening day ceremonies for our local recreational baseball/softball programs. As is customary in baseball, the National Anthem is sung before you start every game. That day, was no exception. With about 500 people huddled together on one side of the gym to watch the parade of athletes, a young girl (maybe about 8) is handed the microphone to sing the National Anthem. She starts singing beautifully, and then gets stuck and forgets the words. Remember, there is no instrumental music playing along with her singing. She tries several times to start from where she left off, but once it is gone, it is hard to get going again. Think about it - could you start in the middle of the Pledge of Allegiance? I know I would have a hard time. By this time, people are trying to whisper to her the next words, but she forgets she is holding the microphone and we all hear her say, "What?" a couple of times. Anyway, after about five failed attempts to start where she left off, she finally starts over...at the beginning. Here is where the SPIRIT comes in - without any words from anyone running this event, the entire gym starts signing right along with her!!! I teared up and I am sure many others did as well. It is something I will never forget. Example two - a very close friend of mine received an award last night at a very prestigious gathering. She is very humble and does not volunteer and give back to receive recognition. She is simply following her heart. When I see her in action - making things happen, creating positive change, I see her SPIRIT. We all have SPIRIT (I am not a cheerleader, but have a sister who was and totally want to say "Yes, we do!" right now) - it is so wonderful to see. Do you show your SPIRIT? Why or why not? It can truly take your breath away and leave you speechless. Don't be afraid - let people see your light shine. It is one of my most favorite things - watching other people shine. Be the light today. Have a wonderful weekend!!!