Let me start by saying I have accepted the fact that I have no clue about anything pertaining to my life anymore. Every time I think I have things figured out, God sends me a wake-up call. And these aren’t just small hints lately. They’re big. Bigger than big. Pretty much huge. And I’m sad it takes something so huge, but I’m not good with change I guess. Looks like He’s trying to teach me to get over it though. If you don’t have a clue what I’m talking about I’ll fill you in quickly. Since the last blog, the guy I was dating turned out to be a huge jerk. The job I had last year was totally eliminated. I found out old friends are the best and most dedicated ones. And life is too short not to be with the one you love.
Let me explain. The whole jerk situation—it doesn’t need explanation. It’s just scary and embarrassing. And I really thank God for getting me out of that situation in a timely manner before things got bad.
In the year of the budget cuts, many school districts were forced to cut back. Unfortunately my program was on the chopping block. I was upset because it was my first year here in that program and I didn’t even have a chance to really get anything going, but the students had done well at competition and on their end of year exam. Thankfully, the district found a place for me here at OG teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). I did not hold certification to teach that class so I had to take some tests and do some classes this summer. I was really nervous about teaching this because it is SO totally out of my element, but I have really enjoyed it. I teach with some great people who are so generous and helpful. For that I am thankful. God is good!
In late April or early May, a group of friends from high school got together again to plan another benefit for my cousin Travis. He had been having a very difficult time and had been in the hospital pretty consistently since March. We met on Sunday, and he had an appointment the following week. The news wasn’t good. They sent him home and told him there was nothing else they could do. Our next meeting was somber, but the news didn’t deter our resolve. The benefit would continue and we knew it would be a success. We all went to visit him that afternoon and his good spirit and attitude was amazing despite his physical condition. It brings tears to my eyes to think about it. Sadly, he “went to fly with the angels,” (as Addy, his two year old, says) June 9. Many tears were shed, but I know he is doing SO much better now and I have to keep that in mind. The following weekend Jamie Johnson, one of his favorite country singers, was playing at the coast. With broken hearts, Team Travis hit the road. We made the concert Saturday night and then went to a memorial service Sunday morning for Trav at the track where he raced. Old friends are the best… The benefit turned out awesome. Community support in a small town never ceases to amaze me. I love it… Again, God is good!
This is us at the beach before the memorial at the track Sunday morning.
That brings me to my last point. Throughout the time Travis was sick, Bo and I began talking again. He would call me to check on him and let me know he was praying for him. He was genuinely and unselfishly concerned. It turned into a daily prayer meeting via text every morning and it was so comforting. It led to other conversations with Bo about different things… The past… The present… The future… I’ll never forget one text he sent that said, “life is too short not to be with the one you love.” I knew it was true and I knew I loved him. We have been back together for several months now. It seems like forever and just yesterday all at the same time. It’s a lot different. He’s a lot different. I probably am too (or should be), but I’m way too stubborn to admit it. We’re a lot different, let me just put it like that. Things have changed... And change is good.
Love you guys!
=P
"Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
— 2 Corinthians 10:17-18
