You can learn a lot from a 6 year old

"Mom...people kiss you...and then they leave."

"I wish my Dad was here...I wish he could come to my birthday...I wish I could give him a hug."

In two phrases - he sums up more emotional trauma, drama and heartache than any child should understand. He has summarized the last almost 7 years of his life - and the last several of mine.

Do I teach him to have a closed heart? Do I teach him to look before he leaps like I have failed to do sometimes? Do I apologize for not finding a better partner...trusting my gut...sticking up for myself?

No.

I hold him and hope someday he understands that it wasn't my plan - that I had other plans, goals, ideas of what would be. Someday he will understand that life happens when you're busy making plans. That it is better to have an open heart than walls higher than the trees. Even walls can be rebuilt. Broken hearts can heal.

Where I've been has resulted in where I am today. If it wasn't for that rocky road, that zig-zagged path, he wouldn't be in my life...I wouldn't have the bond I have. Had the opportunity to see him every day of his life. Raise him - teach him - show him.

Show him that even through challenges, you can succeed. Even storms end. Rainbows happen.

To everyone who has broken my heart, stepped on me, called me names, gotten in my way, made me forget myself, hated me, loved me, kissed me and left...

THANK YOU.

PS - and if it weren't for my storms, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to hit the jackpot at the end of the rainbow.

A Day to Remember

Today a girl named Kate married her Prince - in front of the world for everyone to see. Millions watched in awe as the beauty and love sparkled on the screen like a movie. Little girls everywhere grow up hoping to find their prince charming.

I don't have a daughter, but if I did, what would I tell her? Would I tell her that fairy tales come true? Would I tell her to settle for nothing less than a sparkling love - someone who adores her and treats her like a princess? Is it too unrealistic to stick to the fairy tale?

Or has my heart grown cold? Have my scars pushed away that dream I once had...the dream I brushed under the rug years ago when I realized that things don't always turn out the way you had hoped?

Yesterday I would have told my daughter that it was a bunch of bull. That she should let go of her expectations now because she will only be disappointed. That life doesn't happen like the movies and that shouldn't expect anyone to sweep you off of your feet. You could end up falling on your face.

But today changed me. It gave me hope. As silly as it sounds the idea that love can be beautiful and relationships can work came back to me today. I will find my prince. He will find me. He will be charming, he will adore me and he will treat me like gold. And I will settle for nothing less.

Today I would tell her to keep her hopes and dreams alive. To not have her life revolve around a man (or woman if she chooses) - but have her partner enhance her life - turn the music on - turn the lights up - bring the sunlight to her face - bring the beauty back - make her feel just as wonderful as she is.


Not Like the Movies by Katy Perry

He put it on me, I put it on,
Like there was nothing wrong.
It didn't fit,
It wasn't right.
Wasn't just the size.
They say you know,
When you know.
I don't know.

I didn't feel
The fairytale feeling, no.
Am I a stupid girl
For even dreaming that I could.

If it's not like the movies,
Thats how it should be, yeah.
When he's the one,
I'll come undone,
And my world will stop spinning
And that's just the beginning, yeah.

Snow white said when I was young,
"One day my prince will come."
So I wait for that date.
They say its hard to meet your match,
Find my better half.
So we make perfect shapes.
If stars don't align,

If it doesn't stop time,
If you cant see the sign,
Wait for it.
One hundred percent,
With every penny spent.
He'll be the one that,
Finishes your sentences.

If it's not like the movies,
Thats how it should be.
When he's the one,
He'll come undone,
And my world will stop spinning,
And thats just the beginning.

'Cause I know you're out there,
And your, your love came for me.
It's a crazy idea that you were made,
Perfectly for me you'll see.

Just like the movies.
That's how it will be.
Cinematic and dramatic with the perfect ending.
It's not like the movies,
But that's how it will be.
When he's the one,
You'll come undone,
And your world will stop spinning,
And it's just the beginning.