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On Life's Simple Pleasures

I recently spent a wonderful week at home. It was a much needed time away with some of my favorite people. I needed the home-cooked meals, the junk food, the conversation, the laughter, the hugs.

This afternoon at work, I was feeling so stressed with how the day turned out; I was angry at myself for scheduling the appointments I did. It was a lot after being off almost a week- who knows what I was thinking!

My last appointment of the day was an application to begin services for a customer. This customer has had it rough- she has multiple physical disabilities and multiple mental health struggles- many of which stem from being gang raped several years ago. She has no support system to speak of outside of the individuals working with her to overcome her barriers. As I was stressed, knowing that I wouldn't finish the application by 4:00, my heart skipped a beat as she told me she didn't have anyone to put down as an emergency contact. I don't know the particulars of why she is no longer in contact with her family- maybe some of it was brought on by her- I have no idea. But, how very sad!

Even after the great week I had, I'm guilty of taking it all for granted. I couldn't imagine not having the support system I do. I may not have very many close friends with whom I "hang out" with or talk to regularly, but I do have a network of family and friends, and mentors who would do just about anything they could for me. If I call my Mom or Dad in tears, they listen, if I call friends frustrated, they let me vent. It makes me so angry, so sad to know that some don't have that.

So today, after the horrendously long day I had, I hold onto two warm houses where I'm always welcome, yummy birthday dinners and cakes, amazing apple pancakes, laughter that takes my breath away, hugs that make everything better, and conversations that let me know I am genuinely cared for and loved. I hold on to visits with two of my Grandmas, I hold onto sorting through pictures and laughing about doll heads. I hold onto phone conversations, and messages that make my heart smile. I hold onto conversations with my sister.

This is why I go on, even when I want to give up. These people are my emergency contacts, my support system. I'm counting my blessings tonight, because in the grand scheme of things, my life is pretty darn good.

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