I Am

I am totally stealing this idea from one of my favorite bloggers, Jenn at Juggling Life. I hope she doesn't mind!

I Am . . .

I am from a childhood in a very close-knit, loving neighborhood. I am from the beaches of Orange County, fashion shows at the Bullock's Tea Room, and being spoiled--both by relatives and friends' parents.

I am from poverty and wealth, both figuratively and literally.

I am from countless hours and even holidays spent at CHOC, wondering if my brother would ever emerge from a coma, or live through another brain surgery. I am from many meals in the hospital cafeteria, to helping him pick out a wig for high school, to wishing he could just be like others his age.

I am from hot, windy days, rolling tumbleweeds, majestic mountains that surround me, and a small town that embraces each other in ways I never dreamed possible.

I am from a 22-year career that revolves around the Department of Defense... even though, deep down, I really am from wishing the whole world could just play nice.

I am from older parents--a mother who was practically a saint, and a father who had many flaws but a huge heart.

I am from mental illness, uncertainty, tragedies, depression, heartbreak, and much criticism.

I am from optimism, dreaming, making do, wishing, hoping, finding the best in others, and holding our heads high.

I am from knowing that life is precious and can change in the blink of an eye. I am from learning what's truly important in life.

I am from a passion for music, singing, playing the piano, violin and viola. I am from loving to entertain.

I am from believing in the power of positive thinking. I am from creating a better life for myself than the one I started out with.

I am from empathizing, sympathizing, and wanting more for everyone around me, be it friends or complete strangers. I am from helping others and knowing, "Oh there but for the grace of God go I."

I am from a love of grammar and writing, although I didn't necessarily inherit the degree of talent my mother had.

I am from making memories with my husband and children, whether it be riding quads on desert roads, baking cookies, traveling, or just cuddling together on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

I am from shopping, and the love of everything girly. I am from pampering to pedicures to fashion, and all the princessy things my Godmother instilled in me from a very young age. I am from people who embrace my shallow ways.

I am from chairing the local Combined Federal Campaign, hoping that what I do positively impacts others' lives.

I am from happiness and love. I am from knowing that if I died today, I lived a full and satisfying life.