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!