Lifesavers

I'm not thinking of the fruity-flavored roll of candies to which I would pick through and snatch only the cherry and pineapple. I'm thinking of those people/places/things that have really made getting through the day so much easier.

This morning was a blur. Busy, busy! But I finally got a chance to check my e-mail and in my box were 2 very meaningful and emotion-filled messages. One, pages long, but I still "breathed" in every word as I teared up staring at my computer screen. A college friend and his wife (to whom I had the pleasure of living with during my freshman year) are expecting their first baby any day now. Their daughter has a life-threatening heart condition, but their faith remains so solid. The other e-mail came from a dear friend that just lost her grandfather. The message was 4 words long, but still enough to make the tears in my eyes wet the keyboard.

I'd like to say that I "count my blessings" but at that moment, I felt the need to meditate and remember the "lifesavers" in my life. Here is my list that I've been working on, in no particular order (Just to add so I don't offend anyone else, this is NOT my list of most important things in my life, this is my list of what gets me through the day).

Lifesaver 1: My husband. The kiss that he plants on my lips every morning before he leaves for work is a reminder of just how much he loves me no matter what. He is my biggest fan and my best friend. He knows me better than I know myself sometimes. I just wish that he'd read my blog more often.

Lifesaver 2: My boys. Sure, they demand that I get out of my bed and feed them and they depend on my driving skills to get them to practice and Bible study. They are the truest reflection of me. In their actions, I can see my faults but also my successes as a parent. They are forgiving. They call me mom and that is the greatest job title that I've ever had.

Lifesaver 3: My running partners: At this point, the list is very small, but I am so greatful for the words of encouragement or the belly laugh that I get while exercising with my 2 buddies. I've become a much stronger person and have been able to get through a couple of tough situations with the support and compassion of these women.

Lifesaver 4: My parents, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law. Family is important, but it is so important to me to have people that I love within arm's reach, and not just for the babysitting. I can ALWAYS count on them for physical back-up (A broken-down car, an emergency with the boys, a night of fun, dinner that I don't have to cook....). Thank you!

Lifesaver 5: Funny as it seems to put here, but my middle son's teacher. At a time when I felt so down about the teaching profession, this woman had to inspire me and almost make me want to go back to teaching in public school....but no. I've seen so many wonderful things happen this year in my son's life and I owe much of that to his teacher. All-in-all, he is learning so many important skills dealing with work ethic, manners and politeness, setting goals,... It makes my job much easier. Yes, there really are teachers out there that care! Bravo Miss McLovin (he-he)!

Lifesaver 6: My treadmill. When I can't get out to burn off some steam, I do it on my stationary track. I put those earbuds in and I ignore the whimpering in the background and I just run. I've actually been working towards increasing my speed and at the push of a button, I can do that. I feel accomplished and sweaty at the end of a good 8 mile run. I feel empowered and ready for a nap at the same time. But I always shower first.

Lifesaver 7: Those friends and family members that share their journeys through life with me. The e-mails that I received really set my emotions going and I thank the authors for that. Friends that meet me for lunch/dinner, send me texts while I am working, call from their homes far away to check up on me, attend church with me, sit with me all afternoon on the soccer field...you know who you all are. Thank you to those friends that do feel comfortable enough to chat about life with me. You are the people that help me to build my integrity and help me to stay honest. I pray that I can be a beacon of light to you too and help you when you need a shoulder or a laugh.

Lifesaver 8: God. No explanation necessary.

Lifesaver 9: My home. It's very materialistic, but I am so happy at the end of a day to have a safe place to sleep at night. I like knowing that my boys know their way around town based upon the starting or ending point of our house. We add "beauty" to it by remodeling, but no matter how we decorate, it will always be the central meeting place. It will always be the place where we sit down together as a family and have dinner.

Lifesaver 10: Midol. I am dead serious.