Have you ever sat down and thought about all of the people you’ve met in your lifetime? Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, I can safely assume it’s in the hundreds of thousands. (If you are my age anyway.) And have you ever wondered what was their purpose in your life?
Before my current job, I used to work on the other side of town. My favorite morning stop was Milos. A grits cup with a side of bacon. I haven’t been here since November 2018. I walked inside and was greeted with the biggest smile from my favorite drive-thru lady! I always thought she was a pleasant woman. Every single time I came to the window, her beautiful spirit warmed my heart. But to come in after all of those months and she recognized me, I was humbled.
Since I have some time before my orthodontist appointment, I decided to enjoy breakfast in the dining room at Milos. I’m the only one in here, so no distractions. My mind started going back in time to high school, then college, then afterwards. I have a high school reunion page that keeps everyone in touch with each other… which is great (Facebook has its perks). And in college, I remember some great people that I met, but lost touch after I left. Unfortunately, I can’t even remember names. Well, a few I do, however I don’t have last names to look up.
Thinking back to my young adulthood, I thought about the people I worked with. We were like family. I felt like that little sister to all of the Linemen at the electric company. I became friends with an amazing woman, whom I felt like I had to ‘protect’. It was obvious the difference in the way she was being treated versus everyone else. Thus became a friendship that will last forever. I have another friend just like her whom I met about 11 years ago. We may not get to talk often but the love I have for both of them will last forever.
I said I wasn’t going to make this blog negative, so I won’t talk about the ones whom I’ve met that sometimes I wish I didn’t. But what some people don’t realize is that (in most cases) those very people you wished you never met turned out to be blessings in disguise. What I mean is the ‘bad’ part(s) about that person was a life lesson. Those are the ones who give you the experience to know what is and isn’t acceptable in your life. And it helped or helps you understand that what happened with them doesn’t have to happen again. With age comes wisdom. Lord knows I have learned so much in my (almost) 50 years. The good, the bad and the ugly. Though the disappointments are many and the regrets are plentiful, I wouldn’t change a thing.
I thank God for my past hurts because through time, it has made me a better person, a better woman, a better mother and a better wife. And I hope that my readers know that behind every storm that goes on in your life, the sun is ALWAYS shining behind those dark clouds. Trust me – I know.
Until next time … be blessed!