How It All Turns Out...

Does anything in life ever really turn out the way we expect it to? We all have high hopes and expectations out of certain events in our life, only to be let down, when they don't live up to those expectations. I spent 5 years, angry because my wedding photos had double exposed. I was extremely over-weight, and didn't feel good, physically. I didn't have the huge extravagant affair that I'd always dreamt of, so I felt cheated. When, in reality, I had a nicer wedding than most will ever have. I was surrounded by the people I loved the most-- my family, my friends, and most of all, my husband. It was a time to celebrate the sacrament of marriage with my loved ones, not a time to worry about everything that wasn't going right.

Over the years, I've come to realize that a lot of things in life don't turn out the way we hope. Friends drift apart, plans fall through, life changes. People change. Many things don't stay the same.

I used to spend a lot of time longing for days gone by. I liked thinking about when things were easier. When my aunt was younger, without so many health problems, when I felt good, and had nothing but time to enjoy with my friends and family. I miss going out riding around with Abbie in my convertible. I miss Jeremy's crazy antics, and quotes. I miss going and playing tennis and hanging out with Eddie, Eddie, Susan, and Kevin. I miss the parties and all of the fun we had together. When I saw this picture, it brought tears to my eyes.













I didn't see this picture until nearly 3 years after it was taken. It was one of the many times we were all together at the house in Milligan in 2004. Every day I was with Eddie, Eddie, Susan, and Kevin. That summer, I had just gotten my job at Proffitts', Justin, Jake and I began to hang out a lot, again. I was so close to my friends. Life was good.

I drove by the tennis court today, and for a few moments, felt sad. I could see us, just as we were, four years ago, playing tennis, laughing, and having fun. Then I remembered something I'd read, "don't cry because it's over, smile, because it happened." And I did. I smiled, because God blessed me with friends. I was fortunate enough to have that, along with many experiences in my life. I'm still friends with Eddie, Eddie, Susan, Kevin, Jeremy, Abbie, Justin, and Jake. I may not see them as much as I'd like, but they're always in my heart.

So, if things in your life don't turn out the way you planned, it's ok. As long as you're happy, and you have those whom you love close-- that's all that matters.