Happy New Year!
So, 2010 is here! What did I do on NYE? Absolutely nothing! We stayed home, watched a movie, drank some wine, and just chilled out. I no longer have any desire to go out on NYE, but in the future I wouldn’t mind doing the hotel thing again. That was a lot of fun and we didn’t have to risk driving home with all the drunks on the road. I have turned into such a boring old lady. 
The past ten years have brought me so many great experiences:
- I got married
- I had kids
- I started dancing again
- I started performing again
- I made some great new friends
- I became friends with an actor and was invited to his movie premiere
- I got a great job that I love
- I have taught myself how to design websites (OK, they’re not awesome, but I get by just fine)
- I became a columnist with Examiner.com
- I threw one helluva surprise 40th b-day party for my hubby
- I have helped my sister-in-law get her dance agency up and running
Not all experiences were great though; some I would like to erase from my memory:
- I lost my Dad in 2002
- I lost my father-in-law in 2003
- I lost my dear grandmother (MoMo) this past September, which I’m still heartbroken
- My Mom moved to South Dakota
- My son was diagnosed and hospitalized in the PICU with Nephrotic Syndrome
- I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease (causing hypothyroid) – in the two months it took for me to get diagnosed I thought I was for sure going to die.
Through it all, the good and the bad, I had my “rock” to lean on – my husband, Paul. He has shared my joy with the good and held me up through the bad. I couldn’t have made it without him. Paul and I were living together when my Dad passed away 7 months before we got married. He was the one who suggested we move back home with her to help her out. He could have easily let my Mom struggle or have just me move back home with her. But, he didn’t. He was there every step of the way, he was the man of the house, and he took care of us. My Dad was right to love him like a son because he didn’t think twice about stepping up to the plate.
When Paul’s 40th birthday rolled around, I had planned an absolutely HUGE surprise birthday party for him. We had over 150 people there (and could have easily had 150 more)! I had polynesian dancers (thanks to his sister, Lynn), his family flew in for it, I had a website for people to go to, and even made a birthday video (posted below) that was shown at the party. Everybody had a good laugh at it – it went through all the phases of his life. LOL Paul deserved a bash that he would never forget!!
Paul’s 40th birthday video from Melissa Z on Vimeo.
The past ten years have been awesome for the most part and I’m hoping the next ten ROCK! I’m optimistic! God always takes care of us, through the good and the bad, He’s always there.
Peace
Today as I was driving home from PetSmart I saw a couple driving in front of me that were probably in the mid-fifties. They had a yellow ribbon bumper sticker (not uncommon) on the back of their car. But, written on it was, “My only son died for your freedom”. I immediately felt a pang of sadness for them.
Of course, this prompted me to think during my entire 10-minute drive home instead of allowing my mind to get lost in the music I normally play.
Imagine what the world would be like if we all lived peacefully amongst each other. Seriously. Really think about it. If we respected each other’s religious beliefs and were quick to forgive those who wronged us. If world leaders would shake hands and just agree to disagree. If gangs would just ignore each other instead of attack each other. If scorned lovers would just move on instead of letting their tempers take over. If hate no longer existed.
We are all different colors, races, have different religious beliefs, interests, and such. But…we are all human, one no better than the other. We all have red blood and beating hearts. We may all look different and behave different, but we are of the same race – the human race.
Personally, I refuse to live my life holding grudges against people and am quick to forgive those who have wronged me. If I know I have wronged someone, I will not hesitate to say I am sorry (and mean it). Life is entirely way too short to have enemies and a heart with hate in it. I get the happiest feeling when an “enemy” becomes a “friend” (I know, I’m so corny). I may be hot-tempered, but I am also filled with love, compassion, and a constant willingness to help those around me if I can.
So, as I pulled up into my driveway I had this final thought – if the world was peaceful, that couple would not have needed to put that bumper sticker on their car. Their son would have been preparing for Christmas with them instead of just being a memory. Wherever that couple is, they are in my prayers along with all the military families. My gratitude goes to each and every brave soldier and their families who are missing them this holiday season.
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