It's a Wonderful Life

"No one is born to be a failure. No one is poor who has friends. Simple thoughts that were the inspiration for one of the richest, most uplifting, most beloved American films ever made. Frank Capra's classic tale of George Bailey and his Christmas Eve visit with a guardian angel....remains as powerful and moving as the day it was made." (cover of video)

This week I had occasion to watch part of this classic film. It caused me to ponder on my own life, looking at my successes and failures, listing my friends, and remembering what I've done and where I've been.

I never imagined as a child that I would end up in a small town in Wyoming managing a little "mom and pop" motel scraping by month to month. I never dreamed of scrubbing toilets and doing laundry and keeping records to satisfy the IRS. I did plan to marry and have children, but never thought much about the ups and downs of marriage and motherhood--the hours and days and weeks staying home, following routine patterns, caring for home and family, seeming to accomplish "nothing much of interest" . I somehow thought, like George Bailey, that I would "lasso the moon". I imagined the "happily ever after" of a fairy tale--love, fame, fortune...you know.

Now, as I look back, I see the blessings that have come to me in this "non-fairy-tale-like" life. I have a great husband. He's easy to live with, fun to be around, smart, intelligent, resourceful and loving. I have seven wonderful children, independent and happy and moving forward in their lives. They have found wonderful companions and have begun raising families of their own, bringing us eleven awesome grandkids. Because of our many moves, I now have friends all over the place, too!

I enjoy singing, reading, learning, creating, cooking, laughing, even cleaning and organizing. I get quick updates and stimulating conversations regularly over the phone and internet. I get hugs and sticky kisses and Lego masterpieces almost daily. There is love and appreciation and fun and passion in my life. And, though each day is remarkably similar to the one before, I am continually learning new things--about myself, about the world, about my purpose and direction.

My life has taken many unexpected twists and turns bringing me to where I am today. And, though I never found fame and fortune, I have to say I wouldn't change much! I have my "happily ever after" and it really is "A Wonderful Life".