I have people...

I love the commercial that depicts happy, confident taxpayers who simply say “I have people”.

Well, I have people, but they don’t take care of my taxes…they take care of my life.

Today, my fifty-ninth birthday, (yep-COUNT those candles!) is the perfect time to say thanks to my people.

Thank you to all of the people who give me advice about my health. I have a group of friends who have “been there, done that” and are pretty sensible about diet, exercise, doctors, and medications. You’ve given me some great advice and encouragement, especially this past year.

Thank you to all of the people who give me spiritual advice and pray for me, even when I don’t make a formal request. I know some of the strongest, most faithful Christians on the planet and I’m blessed by their friendship and love. And, oh yes, I’ve gotten, and deserved, a few reprimands as well! Sometimes someone has to tell me what my mom would if she were here!

Thank you to all of the people who give me relationship advice. Being a teacher means working with a variety of people from all walks of life and being nice to them for at least a year, or more. Sometimes that can be difficult when personalities clash. I have lots of younger friends who are parents and who help me see things from a different perspective.

Thank you to all of the people who help me with my genealogy research. I have learned so, so much from the tireless volunteers at the genealogy library, the staff at our regular library, and from online genealogy researchers all over the country. These people are some of the most generous folks I have ever encountered. Family research means so much to them, personally, that they have no trouble at all understanding how much it means to me.

Thank you to all of the people who are in education and are sharing the journey with me. It is so encouraging to have dozens of people who understand my passion for teaching. I know you are there if I want to celebrate success, or wallow in self-doubt!

Thank you to all of the people who read my words- in my blogs, or my newspaper and magazine articles. It has been my privilege to write for publication since I was twelve years old. I’m still amazed that anyone cares about what I have to say, but I am so grateful, because I can’t seem to stop writing.

Thank you to all of the people who have joined with me to try to make our little corner of the world better. The people who volunteer to make a difference in Caddo are sometimes forgotten when praise is handed out, but quickly remembered when there is a problem. They keep working anyway, year after year.

Thank you to all of the people who dig in the dirt. I get advice and encouragement and seeds and plants and photos from gardeners all over the country. I read some great gardening blogs. I have wonderful gardening buddies who leave surprises by my gate. I have people who help me take care of the flowers downtown.

Thank you to the people who work with me each and every day and still seem to like me. Sometimes I don’t know how you put up with my craziness!

Thank you to the people who understand my strange obsession with elephants. Your gifts bring me joy!

Thank you to my family for loving and understanding me, even when we don’t get along, even when things aren’t going well, and even when we don’t see each other. We’re still family and those are the best people to have!!  

Comments

[patty craft]

and thank YOU for sharing your life here with us. and for allowing us to help you celebrate your one wild and precious life!

happy birthday, my friend. peace & love

[Marilyn Crabtree]

First of all, I wish you a very special HAPPY BIRTHDAY today. Thank you for being a wonderful friend. It is a joy to read your blogs and feel your heart for so many wonderful things in life. I'm thankful for the years we spent teaching in the preschool department in church in Fresno. I knew immediately from the beginning that you were a wonderful, caring teacher. I'm sorry you are so far away but am grateful for the internet to stay connected.