Whew!!!!

WOW! What an interesting past few weeks I have had!

Monday, not only was I personally attacked with words, my character was demeaned. I struggled badly with words that were not even spoken but written. I kept asking myself what I had done to deserve such nasty remarks. Initially, I had a just as nasty reply typed...but something told me not to send it. Something told me to rise above, be an adult, and handle it differently. Something made me behave...and for that, I am grateful. So, instead of replying back with a defensive and touchy message, I simply told the truth in a very nice and calm manner. Even though I knew I had done the right thing, it wasn't until I came home and had a letter in the mailbox that I truly believed it. In my mailbox was one of the kindest most thoughtful letters I had ever read and for that, I am thankful. I can't tell you how much reading the words in that note brightened my spirit. Fast forward to today, I received another not so nice message from the same person...AND I came home and there was another message in my mailbox, this time a card...A card that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Simply put, the sender was letting me know that he believed in me and that I can do anything I put my mind to!

Those notes came from my husband's grandfather, John, and his wife, Maria. I am SO blessed to have people in my life like them. I am SO blessed to have people in my life that know who I really am...people that don't judge me...people that believe in me...people that know my intentions are good...and people that love me and I love in return.

We are all let down by those around us...it's what we do with the disappointment or anger that makes us who we are. this week, I learned some VERY valuable lessons...

Don't throw stones because no one is without sin.
Let God handle the "stuff."
Family can be AMAZING...and family can hurt you.
When you are attacked, the truth and kindness are your best defenses.

Thank you John and Maria for reminding me who I am. Thank you for being there and thank you for supporting me.

I also need to add that through the torture of this person's words, my parents and my husband have been AMAZING! My dad is the strongest man I know...he has faced cancer twice, never complained, and kicked cancer's butt! He helps keep me grounded and I could not ask for a better father. My mom is the greatest woman I know...she has been there for me in so many ways and not just this week...She taught me how to be a good mom, and she taught me how to be a strong, courageous woman. And Bobby, my sometimes painfully annoying but absolutely wonderful hubby, he has been by my side in all of this...coming to me defense and protecting me from harm...for that, I am grateful.

Love to all!