The Power of People

Thank you, one thousand times over, to all the friends, family and blog readers out there who reached out to me in my time of need! You are wonderful, amazing, POWERFUL people! Your strength gave me strength and turned my hard times into managable times. Thank you. I love you all.

Shortly after my last post, my sister, Tami, called me to lend a listening ear and just to chat. She reminded me that no matter how positive we are, sometimes life is just hard and we need to let it out. We wouldn't be human if we didn't. I appreciate that reminder, as I am probably hardest on myself.

Right after that call, my dear neighbor Annette called and simply said, "Jodi, can I just take you out to lunch?" She did much more than that, she listened, visited, and then took me to the grocery store, too. How blessed I feel to be surrounded by such love! Annette was amazed by the man who came up to me in the restaurant, looked at me wearing my eye patch and asked why I was already dressed for Halloween. Even after explaining this was not a costume, he continued to press the issue, not in an unkind way, but still in a probing way. I smiled and laughed it off this time, but I am still amazed that some people just don't get it. If you want to know what is wrong, just ask! I would much rather tell someone the truth than have them point, laugh, wonder, tease or try to embarrass me. It is what it is and I am what I am. Right??

The second I pulled in my driveway with Annette, my wonderful friend Satcie appeared. Now, you can't be with Stacie without smiling, because her very personality bubbles out and causes those around her to "catch" her take on life (which is a good thing!). She mysteriously brought out a big yellow chair and followed me into my house. There she proceeded to place a large target on the seat, then handed me markers and together we wrote all my frustrations on the chair (ie. back aches, headaches, metallic taste in my mouth, eye problems, hearing loss, hair loss, etc). Then she took the chair outside and handed me an aluminum baseball bat! It was a very windy day, but I managed to see well enough to smack the crud out of the chair. The more I hit it, the more I wanted to hit it! The harder I hit, the better I felt! I was both laughing and crying as I hugged Stacie and thanked her for the wonderful "gift". :) Now you can see why I love her so much.

Upon going inside, I found that wonder woman Cathy had made and delivered cookies (which is amazing, since she has a brand new baby!!). And later I visited with Cami H. who always brightens my spirits. I also talked to both my Mom and Dad, who are constantly finding ways to help ease the burdens of life. I also had messages from my sweet Brittany, my dear, dear old friend, Tom Foster, and many others. Then, my incredible online friend, Jason, sent me very powerful and uplifting messages that once again reminded me that life is all about perspective. Wow! What love! What AMAZING, WONDERFUL, POWERFUL people!!

The last three days have been very good. I have felt somewhat better and I am constantly being hugged, loved, emailed, Facebooked, and called by people that care. Imagine if everyone in need felt this kind of love at some time in their lives...the world would be a much better place, because of all of you. Thank you, for being you.