We all have experiences from our past that define the person we are, but I don't believe in being a victim. For me, humor has been a way to climb out of the dark times, if only for a moment, and peek at the sun. While I can be serious, I often use humor to express my feelings and I often try to be that spot of sunlight for someone else. Humor was not abundant in my house growing up, it was a rare glimpse that this world was not always so gloomy. That's not to say that my house was miserable, it was just always so serious.
I have had many friends over the years, many of which I still am in contact with. I cherish those relationships and have taken a lesson, a memory, or even a recipe with me where ever I go. At the age of 27 I came to meet my wisest, most loving friend Terri. I knew that she was a friend that I could go to in confidence, a friend that I could tell anything to without fear of being judged. I still talk to her today (17 years later) and she has only become more wise and loving. Terri taught me that there are two sides to every story and to balance any issue before jumping to conclusions-at that time in my life I would often jump to conclusions. I had not come to terms with things in my past-but eventually would-some 9 years later.
I believe that God puts people on your life's path at the times when you need them most!
Maybe the best lesson I learned is that ultimately you must have a true love for yourself before you can truly begin to love anyone else....
And when you feel you are not getting what you need in life (love, affirmation etc.) you just have to give it to yourself!
Thank you Terri Lynn for your friendship, love, and wisdom!
