We all have baggage

It is one of the most difficult things to go through....watching someone you love suffer, struggle, go through pain or a painful time. For those we love, most of us would do just about anything or take the pain ourselves rather than have these loved ones go through a difficult or painful time.

I've watched as a daughter, mother and friend as those I love go through and deal with difficult times. I always remember my mom telling me if she could be sick for me, she would. I especially remember those words as a teenager dealing with yet another severe migraine headache that was debilitating and painful beyond words-the worse pain I've every had. She did not know the extent of my pain, as she never had a migraine, but because she loved me so much she was willing to take my pain, if she could have. I would not wish migraine pain on my worse enemy....well....probably not!

As a mother there have been many moments were I wish I could take the trials or pains away and take them on myself for my children. I've tired to be a compassionate, understanding, patient, and a supportive parent over the years-some times I've succeeded, other times I'm sure I failed to understand or say or do the right things. As a mom I understand how my mom felt and what she meant when she told me that if she could be sick or take my pain she would-I would do the same, in a heartbeat.

As a daughter I tired to put myself in my ailing parents shoes. To understand their confusion, pain or the feeling of being scared as life changes without our control. Being supportive is the only thing I could do and  to love them as live changes, then leaves.

I've been there to witness birth and death-both are amazing experiences. As the saying goes "When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.” It is true and both are amazing experiences to be a part of.

People seem to be so uncaring at times. It is one thing on top of another and lots of times people only seem to have the "its all about me " attitude. I've always tried to approach life in dealing with others with the attitude of  everyone has baggage of some kind and size, on any given day.  Some days we have our baggage in our pocket or a fanny pack (do they still make fanny packs?), it's a small amount and other days we've got a big old suitcase (the size you could put a kindergarten sized child in) on wheels with a pulling handle that we are hauling around behind us-for all the world to see. Regardless if I can see someone's baggage or not I have to remind myself we ALL have baggage, big or small. Some people hide it very well, while others put it out there for God and everyone to know and see. So maybe having patience and understanding or stepping back to understand why people are the way they are would help life go just a little bit better.

A positive thought: Rain! Rain! Rain! It is raining and NOT snowing!!! Warmer temps are ahead!

And don’t let them suck your fun circuits dry

It's Tuesday, probably the most overlooked day of the week, in my opinion. Monday seems to be the day most everyone dreads because the weekend is over and it means going back to school or work and a routine. Wednesday is halfway through the week aka Hump day. Thursday is almost to the weekend and well, we all know what Friday brings!!! And Saturday and Sunday usually means relaxation and/or fun! We made it!! But Tuesday's are kind of the middle child of days of the week! (my apologies to my daughter and my middle sister-I mean it in a nice way.) It's still a great day, but we just seem to coast through this day, not paying much attention and in a rush to get on with the rest of the week.
Facts about Tuesdays:
-Californians have barbecues less often on Tuesday than any other day of the week. Sad but true! Be a rebel, grill tonight!
-Under the rules of the Gregorian calendar, Christmas Eve falls less often on a Tuesday than any other day of the week…but Christmas Day is more often on a Tuesday than any other day except Thursday. FYI-nine months from today is Christmas! Start decorating and your shopping NOW!
-Tuesday Weld was born on a Friday. (I have no idea who this person is, obviously her parents were confused!)
-According to a survey in 2002, Tuesday is the most productive day of the week in the workplace. Get out there and be productive, it's not too late!

 So for all my observations I am trying to make this a terrific Tuesday, in one way or another! I've been pretty productive and the fact that I've got people around me who are a little bit wacky today it seems-well, it is what it is.

I ran across the title of the post a while back and put it on a stickie on my computer. I have to remind myself of this quite often. I know I am guilty of sucking people's fun circuits dry at times (sorry if/when I do), we all have our days. The fine line for me has been to remove the people who constantly suck my fun circuits dry-go drain someone else, life it too short for this. The quote actually came from an article I read last year written by a parent of a Sandy Hook victim:

"A few weeks before the shooting, Ana Grace and I shared a special morning. Lunches were packed and clothes were picked out the night before, so we had extra time to snuggle. And while I lay in bed with my beautiful caramel princess, she sensed that I was distracted and asked, “What’s the matter, Mom?” I remember saying to her, “Nothing, baby. It’s just work.” She looked at me for a very long time with a thoughtful stare, then she told me, “Don’t let them suck your fun circuits dry, Mom.”
As you begin this school year, remember Ana Grace. Walk with courage, with faith, and with love. And don’t let them suck your fun circuits dry."

Puts things in perspective doesn't it? 

A positive thought-I'm going to find something to replenish my "fun circuits" today after school. It will probably involve sweating on a treadmill or something but it will add to my life rather than take away. Or it may just be a piece of chocolate! And remember, Tuesday's are just as important as every other day of the week!