My story is truly a love story

From the time I was born I knew I was loved.  I was born into a family of strong personalities and great faith.  It was a perfect childhood.  No, I didn’t get a pony for my birthday, I wasn’t born with a silver spoon, but I had two parents who loved me, siblings to fight with, and an extended family that gathered together frequently.  It didn’t always feel like a fairy tale and there was and will always be dysfunction in some ways, but that’s what makes it perfect.  WE LOVE ANYWAY!

I survived my teenage years and so did my parents.  I made some bad choices and then I made a great choice.  I met my husband at 19 and was married after a very short courtship.  He was a sweet southern boy transplanted to the northwest by the Air force.  Shortly after we married we got orders to Belgium where we had two beautiful boys…..and the love story goes on.

After almost 17 years of marriage I can honestly say that my love for him grows deeper every year.  The past few years have issued us a vast array of challenges.  Most of these challenges have been death and health related.  I tell you this because it is what has brought me to this point.  While dealing with loss and healing from sickness my husband learned how to knit and taught me.  We started knitting together, recovering together, and planning for the next stages in life together.  My life has not been perfectly pleasant as I’m sure yours hasn’t been either.  I have always had a love for life and tried to make everyday an adventure.  Here’s my reality… The stars shine because they are surrounded by darkness.

Without my struggles I would never know my own strength.

Without tears I would never know true friendship.

Without times of loneliness I wouldn’t know the true value of a simple hug.

I think we all have the ability to be a star in someone’s life.  A simple hug, a kind word, or an understanding smile can make a world of difference.