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In Reply to: Building a new life and memories at Christmas posted by Donny on December 16, 2002 at 09:15:38:
I've been doing the same reflecting. Especially in light of some recent events in my life. But, yes, it's nice to get completely away from that lifestyle. Like Miguel says, turning your back and never looking back lest we turn into a pillar of salt. Yes, we were totally unprepared for "system" life. We had little marketable skills, sometimes large families, huge scars and deep wounds to battle at the same time, not to mention helping our children combat their own. The task seemed daunting and nearly impossible. To get to where we have now has got to be a miracle in itself. We were the same, we started off on welfare and sold so many things I wish I had now. But we made it and even though we have bills, and who doesn't, we have our integrity, we have our freedom, and we have something that no one can ever take from us again. Both my husband and I have careers that we feel fulfilled in, where we are needed and wanted. We have a home to call our own and on top of that, we have a mountain hamlet we can retreat to. It's the best of both worlds, even in spite of all the difficulties and struggles. Yes, we can entertain whom we want in our own home. We can live a life of normalcy without viewing every prospective "friend" as some sort of "sheep" or potential donor, or friend I can make use of later for some potential future problem or what can I get out of them. There is nothing I need to take from people, only to give, and it's a good feeling. I can be free to love and hug my children as much as I want, to protect them and be near them without feeling that I am failing God by putting them "above the work." Or trusting their care to some ditzy overseer who really doesn't have their best interests in mind. If I don't like something or someone or some place, I can move, change my situation, my circumstances until I am happy and satisfied with it. There is so much to be thankful for.
