Risk

To Laugh is to risk appearing the fool.

To Weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To Reach out for another is to risk involvement.

To Expose feeling is to risk exposing our true self.

To Place your ideas, your dreams before the crowd is to risk their loss.

To Love is to risk not being loved in return.

To Live is to risk crying.

To Hope is to risk despair.

To Try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life it to risk nothing.

He may avoid suffering and sorrow.

But he simply cannot learn, fell, change, grow, love, live.

Chained by his certitudes, He is a slave, He has forfeited his freedom.

Only a person who risks ... is free.

-Author Unknown

Right Place/Right Time

Ever find yourself in the right place at the right time only you didn't know it was the right place until that right time?

There are some moments in life where we see the path we are on and for a moment we can glimpse where it is going... and in that moment we know if we are heading in the right direction or if we need to adjust our heading.

Recently I sat in a room full people all but one were strangers to me... and they allowed me to listen to their stories. They shared there feelings, their trials, their mistakes... and the most courageous couple shared their resentments, love, apologies and commitments to one another. It was all said out loud... no whispering, and only a hint of hesitation. Every word carefully chosen, every feeling exposed. I was in awe of their strength, their will, and their love. There are things I wish I could say... deep emotions, lost feelings ... harsh words of resentment for unspeakable hurts, tender words of admiration and love lost in my soul. There are unspoken apologies that echo in my mind and commitments yet to be made.

Somehow I became connected with these strangers ... I can't tell you their names, but I see each of their faces clearly. Somehow the events in my life that brought me to this moment intertwined with events from theirs. And as I gave thought to my own disappointments and the obstacles I see before me as I face each day I was given a gift. Not the kind of gift wrapped in pretty paper but a more priceless possession. I was given the gift of company. It was not a gift I discovered in that perfect moment... it was something I found much later as I reflected on what I was fortunate to share that night. I can not put into words my admiration for each person there that night. I am thankful for this moment ... one which I thought I'd only be an observer and I found myself to be a participant ... I am grateful to know we all must work to create our dreams ... to find our path. We all must be able to say I'm sorry and I am wrong and we need to adjust the course we are on so we can find our way to the selves we want to be.

It's reassuring to know I found myself in the right place at the right time.

Rock and Roll Half Marathon - Chicago!

The WINDY city. I'm finally going to find out why they call it that.... come along with me. Here is the course I'll be trotting along on Sunday.... come cheer me on! :)

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wishing

Weber River

We SURVIVED! Ok... so i did not know the Weber River was so peaceful.

I thought white water rapids would have us all looking forward to dry land ... but this was perfect. Ian had a blast rowing and rowing and rowing. It was a perfect, relaxing float down the canyon.

When can we go again?

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

My sweet, precious baby girl turns 5 today. Seems like yesterday I laid her in your arms. I still see your smile and the twinkle in your eye. You were so proud to share your birthday with her.

I think her arrival on that day was God's way of preparing me to face August 4 without you. I think of you everyday. There is a book, called "for one more day" ... what would I give for just one more day? I have so many regrets, so much was left unsaid. Just one more day to tell you I appreciate your sacrifices for me ... to tell you I love you.

Happy Birthday Mom ... you've earned your place among the angels ... my wish for you today and everyday is peace and happiness...

I know you watch from your place in Heaven ... you see your precious grandchildren growing ... in that I will find solace.

when I feel weak and not pretty