Reflections and the Ghost of Christmas future

Well, today is not so much about weight loss, rather it's about the past 25 years of my life, and what lead to today!  One chilly December 3rd night in 1984, the world was introduced, to ME! Who would have thought, in a mere quarter of a century, so much could happen!

People have come and gone in my life, some have made an amazing impact! Of course Colin and my parents, of course my sister with the rest of my family, and of course my friends. However, there is ONE man who has stuck by my side since I was born. He never would let me be harmed, and he has guided me my whole life.  This man is my poppop, my mum's dad.

He passed away when I was in 4th grade, and I knew, even though I didn't even cry at his funeral, that there was gonna be an ultimate void in my life. He was the one adult who sat and played Power Rangers with me! He taught me to play poker when I was in kindergarden, and let us put bows in, what hair he had left!

While he taught me a lot when he was alive, little did I know I would learn more from him after he died. About seven months ago was the first time I went to go visit his grave since he died. When I got there, something happened and life just became a little more clear.  My poppop was a Sgt in the US Army during WWII. According to my mum, he sure loved his Army!  When I was struggling with Colin's deployment, I talked to him.  When I was having a hard time with my diet, I talked to him. With every visit, and every "conversation" we had, I found a whole new strength.

Finally, about 3 weeks ago, I had my workout with the Marines, and it was terrible!! Naturally, I went to visit him! As I walked up to his headstone, I just started to cry! I felt like a failure and I felt I was never going to meet the expectations I had for myself! I stayed for almost an hour.  Later that day, I had my ROTC meeting. Coincidence? I don't think so! I think life is a giant pot, and poppop has his finger in, swirling it around!

I can't talk about the influence that my poppop has had, without talking about my grandpa! My dad's dad. I was about a year old when he died, so I never got to know him. He too was in WWII, and after his service, he also became a police officer. He, in my mind, is a prime example of service. My dad loved his dad, and I know that, even if I never had the chance to really meet him, he's right next to poppop, saying "Ya know Robert, no granddaughter of ours is going to be a Jar Head!"

As for the future, who knows what it may bring? Sure, I have goals, but I never shut the door on life!! There are SO many great things that lay down the road, school, the Army, a family, and experiencing everything life has to give!! How could you NOT be excited for the future??? Baby, it's so bright you should be wearing shades!!

So, here my friends, is to another 25 years of a healthy, strong, happy life! I know that, through time, things are going to change, but my husband, my family and friends will always be here, and I hope, in 25 years, I'm still getting all your wonderful facebook messages! Love you all, and thank you for helping to shape the person I am today!!