Little Moments

Life is made up of moments that sum up our lives. Sometimes those moments are huge and everyone within a thousand miles notices it. Then there are moments that you and you alone know happened. You never expect any of these moments to happen but once they have it is nearly impossible to look at life without them.

One of these moments happened for me just a few days ago. As most of you know I have 5 wonderful kids I claim as my own. The oldest of the 5 graduated high school early this year. She is an incredible young woman and I can only hope to express how proud I am of her.

Since the latter part of January she has been asking myself and my wife everyday when we come in if we have checked the mail and if there was anything for her. To a point she was almost accusing us of hiding the mail from her. We never did that by the way, but we could tell she was anxious and nervous about something.

This past Friday the weather was rather dreary and cold. The school district had canceled school for the day and we didn't have to get any of the kids up early that day. I have to say it was nice to be able to get up, make coffee, and get back in bed where it's warm. My wife and I were able to work from home on our computers that day. Any other day we get up, get ready, get our putes loaded up and head to our office to work there. Our day was going great, we took care of our social media management duties rather quickly. We spent quality time with our 6th child (our dog) Sabra. Drank plenty of coffee. It was one of those days you just can never get enough of.

Our oldest was doing her typical lazy morning routine and finally came out of her bedroom around lunch. What do you think she asked first? "Did I get any mail today?" It just so happened that I had gone to the store earlier and saw the mailman down the street. Most days she doesn't get to ask this question until late afternoon. Before she could really see straight I was able to tell her that the mail ran and we just need to check it. I don't know if she was still not awake or in shock but needless to say she was a little happy. I got out of bed, put the leash on the doggy and told her I would check the mail while I was taking Sabra out. It might have been me, but it seemed like Sabra was really enjoying being outside that morning.

Envelope in hand addressed to Raven, I walked back inside. I could feel the stare of hopeful and anxious eyes on me. I pretended like nothing new had arrived but she asked as always. Before she could finish asking I motioned like I was gonna throw it at her but I didn't. It was the letter she had been waiting for. She rushed to get it open and read it. Before she could say a word a smile just came over her face. There was no doubt this is what she had been wanting for.  With her mom and myself standing there with her at the kitchen table she just read the first sentence to us. She had been accepted and welcomed to be part of the freshman class at Louisiana Sate University starting in the fall of 2011. How cool is that?!!

Just to let you know, that was about noon on Friday. At that point life just stopped. We just soaked up the moment. Being a part of that moment was just simply amazing. She has worked hard to achieve this and for us to be part of that is something words can not do justice.

Is this a big moment? ABSOLUTELY! It is only one of many more to come for her on this journey. I am just thankful to have been included in it.

Did You Expect to be Where You are?

Looking at where you are now, and thinking about where you thought you would be, can you honestly say you are exactly where you envisioned yourself being? I can say without a doubt in my mind, I would have never expected to be where I am now and doing what I am doing and I wouldn't change a thing.

Life is a journey that can take us on the best roller coaster ride of our lives.The ups and downs can take us from one extreme to the another in a heartbeat. Keeping that in my mind, it is up to each person to allow that journey to happen and embrace the adventure laid in front of us. 

Growing up I always figured I would go to college, get a job, get married, have kids, and live happily ever after. I figured to be working at a job that would provide for my family and that would be just fine. So what happened?

I went to college as planned but didn't finish. I got married but that didn't work out. I have kids. Five to be exact. I thought I had found a job that I would work at and be there a long time. I was let go last year. So where does that leave me now? Happy!

My first marriage gave me two incredible kids. The oldest is a teenager now. Makes you realize you are getting old but in the same thought makes you smile and appreciate it. Jobs have come and gone but that has given me the knowledge that no matter what, I can and do take care of my family. The pressure now is completely on me and I love that. No more paychecks, no more worrying about what the boss thinks of me, just the liberating feeling of total responsibility being on me.

It would have been very easy to just throw my hands up and ask why did this happen to me when I lost my job last year. Looking back at that life changing event, It was the best thing that could have happened. I love being the boss of me and having the freedom to enjoy life now. The ability to spend time with my family is my decision now. No more arranging times around a work schedule made by someone else. Family and friends are more important than we know and we don't often realize that until it's too late. My days are dedicated to my family now. I have support from my loving wife Phaedra, my wonderful kids, Raven, Steven, Kyle, Tristian, and Jonathan. That support is the best feeling in the world.

I ask myself again that question and I answer No. I did not expect to be where I am today. I love that I am happy about being in an unexpected place. Can you say the same?