That which does not kill us...

Hello all, Just wanted to take a quick minute to post another message. Had a hard day, yes it's not all sunshine and roses believe it or not. But that is what this page is for. To take what is hard and negative in my life and put a positive spin on it. My husband, for anyone who doesn't know him, is the hardest working man I have ever known. His commitment and devotion to his job sometimes makes me feel like his family is second at times. This is frustrating to me, who believes that family should always come first.

This was not the first time I had been frustrated, he has to take a turn doing the night shift every so often and I'm not a fan of the night shift at all. Since I work days, we are like two strangers passing in the night and I feel like we miss out on a lot with each other during the six weeks he has to work that shift. This week, he informs me that he has to stay even later because of the extra work load they have. He would be working until three in the morning instead of eleven. Then he tells me that saturday he will be going in for the day shift as well. That means he works until three am, comes home for maybe two hours of sleep, and goes back to work by six am.

This did not sit well with me. I was so angry that his work would even allow him to do this. Then he tells me that it was his choice, that they needed him and he said yes. Let me tell you I will never understand this thinking. I guess I was raised differently, working to me is just a job... To him it is what makes him, him. Not that my father didn't work hard, because he would have done anything to make ends meet, but this is a competely foreign work ethic to me.

Anyways, After being upset for about a day about it I finally realized... I looked around at my things, my house, the clothes in my closet, the food in my pantry, the vehicles outside, all the things that we use and need in our daily lives that we don't even think about. That hard work pays for those things and can afford us a lifestyle where we can do things that we want to do. Instead of being angry with him I should wake up each morning and THANK him. I should also thank heavenly father for being born into a country and time where the freedom to work and play is available to everyone. That pursuit of happiness is what makes this country different from the others. It is not only a privilege... but a Right!

In my place of business I get to see and hear first hand the troubles in the economy. It didn't hit so close to my heart than the other day when a 77 year old customer of ours who had been doing well for many many years, and spent the last few years building a beautiful retirement home for his and his wife, lost almost everything. They are now watching their beautiful home being sold for pennies on the dollar. His heartbreaking story almost made me cry right there in the office. He said, i'm 77 years old, i'm not going to be able to start over. This is the story for so many people and I will always remember that anytime I start to fell ungrateful for what I have.

It could always be worse, and when I'm feeling mad that Ash is gone, It's almost as if on que... Riley will smile or giggle. Last night he tried to blow a raspberry on my neck because I do it to him all the time. He is my light in what can be a dark and sad world. Then I will get a text from Ash saying how much he loves and misses me. These little things make a big difference. What a wonderful family I have! Lots of love,

Crystal