Bright Side Friday! My Network of Support

My Bright Side Friday this week is about my network of support. I am surrounded by so many people that are willing to help me out if I need them to. Looking at others around me, I see that I am really lucky to be in this position.

This morning, I contacted a PTO friend about my volunteer position on PTO. Not only did she offer to do something for me that I NEVER would have asked anyone to do, she followed through with it and went above and beyond to make things better for me! I couldn't believe it.
 
This evening, I was supposed to coach a soccer game, most likely in the rain. But, my co-coach stepped up and told me that I didn't need to go, he would coach for me. Yes, my son is injured and wouldn't be playing in the game, but still! Someone actually took something OFF of my plate instead of adding something. Of course, that time slot was quickly filled, but that's besides the point.

My schedule is crazy and I can always be available to get my kids to here or there. Yet there always seems to be a friend that offers to pick up or drop my kids off when I need it.

I'd like to think it is a mutual network of support and I hope they do too. I do try to reciprocate whenever possible.   A friend once offered to help and I told her that I wouldn't be able to reciprocate in that particular situation. She told me "Don't worry about it. I had to be there anyways. Besides, you've done plenty of other things for me." That made me feel really good. Finding friends that don't keep score and you can count on because they can count on you... now that's perfect. Not sure how we would navigate without this network.  The quote "it takes a village" sure rings true for me.

Hope you have a network too. It might be just a person or two, a family member, a sitter, or a whole bunch of friends. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it and offer help when you can. Some of my best friendships have blossomed from my network. Please share your stories of times you've helped out others or others have helped you.

=J

An Evil Man Is Dead

 Last night, I heard the news. An evil man was dead. He orchestrated his minions to do horrible acts and evil things. Many lives have been lost because of his orders. Our government, chose to fight, as they should. But during the hunt for this devil in human form, many more of our soldiers lost their lives, many more civilians did as well. I'm sad, while others dance in the street.

As many cheer, I watch. As many gather and sing, I watch. As I see posts such as “rot in hell” and others similar, I watch. As many others run to join them all in the celebration, I watch.

I can not bring myself to cheer for the death of one man, no matter how evil. I'm not sure why I can't. One man, that I have never met, that has commanded such unspeakable acts, and yet I can not cheer for his death. When I posted my feelings this morning, the reaction was surprising to me. Replies suggesting that I am not patriotic, I had to quickly defend myself. I am proud to be an American. I support the troops. This man needed to be stopped, but he is merely a symbol of evil. He is not THE evil. Apparently, that is good enough for most. “An eye for an eye” one post read. “Not even close” was all I could think. No act of revenge could ever make things right.

I'm sad. I'm sad that any American would cheer for the death of any man. I'm sad that his death has made him even more of a hero in the eyes of his followers. I'm sad that the death of this man will not bring an end to terrorism. I'm sad that there are 100's of others just like him willing to take up his cause and 1000's more willing to carry out the orders. I'm sad that this will certainly bring more attacks to American soil. I'm sad that so many lives have been lost already. I'm sad that we will certainly be grieving over more American deaths. I'm sad that the death of this one man won't bring true closure to anyone. I'm sad that anyone ever thought it would.

If you are interested in reading more, I found this blog sums things up well at the end: http://bit.ly/lBFUFU

=J