Four Principles of Life

Life is filled with surprises you often least expect.  I grew up a military brat and quickly learned, the friends I made would be the friends I'd have to leave when my dad got orders.  As the years passed, it got harder and harder to leave friends behind.  By High School, military brats hung together because they understood the ostracism given them by the locals.  (Why would anyone invest his/her time in making a friend who won't be around for long?)

Chief lesson learned: The world is a very small place.

I moved 8 times before I turned 16.  2 times in college and 8 times in 20 years of marriage.  I've lived in Germany 3 times (newborn, teen and wife), Japan once (as a kid) and Italy once (as a wife).  Through all these moves, I've been fortunate to experience different cultures and other languages, as well as find a way to fit in wherever I was.  How?  Sometimes you stick your foot in the door, invest yourself, in order to succeed.

Lesson:  Make the most of the time you've got.

Japan: Earthquakes carried our beds all the way across the floor to the other side of the room but I also have memories of catching Pincher Bugs and snails, skating on an outdoor ring behind our quarters, and exploring tunnels carved into the snow by my dad. 

Italy: Though I spent most of my time birthing babies and as a commander's wife, I still had time to see the Alps, Dachau, visit Pompeii, tour villas and museums, explore the Sunday markets downtown and eat pizza and tortolini at Il Dragone, my favorite pizzeria, complete with brick ovens.

Germany: As a teen, I cheered and played softball.  Our competition cheerleading squad won 1st place two years running.  I went to Frankfurt High School, toured castles and took part in a play at Heidelberg Castle.  As an adult, I traveled to Holland, Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria.  I was also a commander's wife with two little children and a poltergeist in my car.

Lesson:  Good things come to those who wait.

Throughout our travels, there were places I didn't want to be, for one reason or another.  Sometimes it was simply a matter of LTC's job, a job that kept him on the road for 3 weeks at a time, allowing him to be home for 2 weeks before heading out the door again.  In New Jersey, LTC was home only 1 year out of the 3 years we were stationed there.  Tough times!  But as with any hardship, the good follows.  We found a home to plant our roots and were able to give our children the best upbringing they could possibly have.

Lesson:  Be careful what you wish for.

LTC is home more often these days.  The kids are grown.  I have more time to write than I did with four kids underfoot, even while working a part-time job.  I have roots!  Something I've never had the luxury of having before.  I've made great friends who cherish me for who I am.  I've joined writers groups and am surrounded by others who think the way I do and get me.

Be careful what you wish for, because you might get it.  Throughout the years, I've prayed for healthy kids, a loving family, a wonderful home and the ability to write stories that will comfort people who are going down the roads I've traveled.  Sometimes I think the only thing stopping me... is me.

Be careful what you wish for.

The world is a small place- Be professional, kind and compassionate.

Make the most of what you've got- You're the perfecter of your fate. You've got what it takes to make it through!

Good things come to those who wait- If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then try again!

Be careful what you wish for.

What have you been wishing for throughout your life?