Reflections (long)

I'm not gonna lie, it's been one of the roughest years of my life - and unfortunately, I see no light at the end of the tunnel I'm in.  None of it is WLS related, thankfully, but WLS is now a part of who I am, every single day, so i know it plays into the stresses.  Sometimes I find myself stress eating, sometimes I'm so stressed I can hardly eat the things I NEED to eat.

I have made some of the most amazing friends here in the WLS world - at support group meetings, coffees, on OH... True friends who get it.  Who understand the roller coaster I was on pre-WLS.  Who have laughed with me and at me, who have cried with me and to me.  Some of these friendships have become as essential to my life as water and protein, but sadly, some of them have run their course.

I got this message in an email today, and because we are smack in the middle of the Christmas season, it really spoke to me.  I want to share it here.  It's not new, but it is profound.

Thank you for being a part of my life, whether we’ve had a reason, a season or a lifetime.

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.  They may seem like a God send, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled.  Their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on. Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.  They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.  Believe it, it is real. But only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

 

 Me likey!

I'm sorry it's been stressful Darla!  I hope that it gets better before you know it.  We're always here for you and we've got your back.

Thanks for the Orangatan picture, it made me laugh and my 3 yr old too!  I look like that, but I'm not nearly as cute!

Merry Christmas girlfriend.

Tess

I love you My Darla Lou.......  We need to get  together one of these days......... After the Holidays I will try to make it your way...........You got my number if you need to talk..........

Merry Christmas to one of the most AMAZING women I know!!!!!

Tie another knot Kiddo and hang on....... (my dad always said that to me)    Many Hugs to you

Darla....thank you for sharing  this with us. I really like it.

I am sorry you have had some struggles this year. I do keep you and your family in my prayers. Hope the New Year is a better one for all of you.

Sure hope we can get together again some time soon.

Hugs....connie d

Oh how true that message is.. I hope you had an amazing holiday!! Life is stressful at times I could write a book.  I adore you!

So often when someone posts what's going on with them, there are so many ways to relate.  This time I really did.

First off, thanks for sharing with us your pain.  You are a special and wonderful person with a positive and upbeat outlook.  When life throws you those curves, you have to stay strong and count on the friendships you've made, and the character you've developed.  This year sounds like it has certainly challenged you.  But here you are reflecting on it. 

Secondly - that writing about friendships was VERY timely.  My sister had a falling out with a good friend of several (maybe 5?) years this weekend.  The friend had been a lot of help to our whole family when my Mom was dying, and was a good friend to my sis.  But recently I've quietly watched her manipulate and use my sis.  Finally, Sis had enough and let her know it.  The rift they had the other day may never heal.  I sent her that part of your post on friendships. 

Life is tough, Darla.  But it's also a wonderful miracle.  Look at us - - we are the women we never dared hope we'd be!  And... we are still human and sensitive.  Take care of yourself.  You mean so much to so many.

Hugs and warmth sent your way today,  Mary

I've laughed with you, I know for fact! And I love those moments.
I know this has been a rough year for you & your fam but I have got to believe that it will ease up soon. You are great people and when you persevere through the tough times, He will bless.

Thank you for being you! I adore ya!

Thank you, each of you.  Your kind words mean more than I can express...