I Am Lucky!

I am lucky! No, I didn't just realize this but I was reminded of this fact today as I sat in my best friend's theater class. I helped Laura with her play today and ran the sound for her group. After the plays were performed, their teacher asked what they learned from this class. Some said the usual, I learned more about plays and how much work it takes, I learned to step out of my box, etc. One girl said she learned that she wanted to follow her passion, acting, a passion her mother had stomped on years beforehand. Her mother told her she didn't want her to end up like her aunt, singing on a cruise ship and wasting her life away. Now, I hear this girl is a bit of a drama queen but many people face this problem: They have no support system! I have close friends who only find criticism from their families and therefore are swayed from their goals or they must go at it alone.

Once again, I am lucky! When I was 18, I took my first writing class in college, English Composition 1, and fell in love with an old friend, writing. I had written all my life but never thought to pursue it and pushed it to the side. This class was taught by a wonderful woman who pushed me and supported me. I went into college unsure of what my major would be but this class sold me; I was going to write.

I don't know why but I was scared to tell my parents that I wanted to major in Writing. I knew this was not a "sure-thing" major and that it would be wise to major in something more practical, especially since most people first ask "So are you going to teach?" when they hear you are majoring in English. However, when I finally got the courage to tell them they responded with, "That's great!" and "I know you can do it!" They have never doubted me, not once. Mom talks constantly about seeing my name on the shelves...she hopes I will write books like Danielle Steele because those are her favorite. Dad clips out newspaper clippings about how Dr. Seuss was rejected by 20+ publishers at first to tell me to keep my hope alive. My nephew, Gabe, asks when I will publish my Children's books based on him. My sisters tell me they know I can do it. Everyone in my family has been supportive...well everybody but a few ones that aren't close to me. I had an uncle ask if I would ever get published and he basically told me to give up. My mom's response? Rage. She told me never to listen to him because she knows I can do anything. I am lucky!

I also have great friends! I have ones who yell at me to write and start a blog (she knows who she is). I have ones that read my blog daily (you know who you are). I have friends who tell me they can't wait to see me signing books at Tattered Cover. None of them have ever told me to give up and find a new dream. I am lucky!

I also have the best boyfriend in the world! He tells me daily that I can do anything I set my mind to do. He tells me he knows I will make it. He tells me he loves me and supports me every single day. I love him so much! I am SO lucky!

I can't repeat it enough. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world right now. Even though this last year has been the toughest one of my life, I know I am lucky for all the wonderful people God has put in my life. So many people have helped me after my car accident and continue to support me as I attempt to get my life back together. I have the best support system in the world and they tell me I can live my dreams every day! I am so thankful for having these wonderful people in my life and my only hope is that I make them feel just as lucky to have me in their lives.

I love you all!

Sorry to those I don't have pics of on this computer...and to dad for posting that embarrassing picture of him but I had to. :) Love you guys!