Life-changing…

If you’re lucky in life, you meet someone who makes you want to be a better person. If you’re really lucky, you meet more than one person who allows you to be yourself and, at the same time, makes you want to make changes to become an even better person.

I think, in this life, I’ve been blessed so many times that I couldn’t begin to count the moments someone here or there has touched me.

This past year, however, was a difficult one for me. I was in California (while still keeping a house in Arizona) to help my brother with his business. We brought it back to Arizona as a telecommuting business but it was difficult to control (because we were inexperienced at it…not because it wouldn’t have worked had we been more experienced) and we ended up having to close the business.

I came back home and tried, desperately, to find a job…any job…in my field or not. It was grim. I got very ill while looking for a job and couldn’t even afford to get medical care. I was on the verge of having my electricity, phone, and gas turned off. I’m fortunate enough to have wonderful landlords who let me go four months without paying rent because they trusted that I would come back to them and get it all caught up.

During that time, Sir V and AmberWitch called me almost daily. They became my lifelines to the world. They would listen to me cough, sneeze, cry, and laugh. They were there no matter what. The two of them, together, became my modern day heroes. I cannot think of them without smiling.

And when I finally got some interviews (in my field, no less), they were both calling, asking me how they went. I began to despair at one point because I didn’t get calls back. They both told me to be patient, that something was coming my way.

It did. For the first time in my life, I can honestly say that I’m deliriously happy in my work. I get to do what I do best. In addition, I get to take classes for free (I work for a college) and continue with my learning.

It’s funny. Both of these men live over 2000 miles away from me (in fact, they are closer to one another than they are to me). They reached across the country and gave me the support I couldn’t find elsewhere.

My life has changed completely from one year ago. I’ve made changes for the better. I see a therapist to deal with issues that have been haunting me for years. I am taking care of my health issues (losing weight is a big one of those and I’m well on my way to doing this in a healthy, manageable way).

I don’t think I’ve ever felt so free, so alive, or so happy in my life. It is amazing what strong will and a couple of GREAT friends can do for you.

I wanted to thank both of them, from the bottom of my heart, in a public forum. I wanted others to know how special these two men are…and how much they really give of themselves. They urged me to find a better me.

I love them both dearly…and, hopefully, they both know it.

While none of us is here all that often anymore, I wanted to share here, where it all began.

Sir V…thank you. Thank you for making me laugh, helping see the light at the end of that tunnel, and for helping me love. I wish you and yours all of the best in the world. And someday, soon, I will be able to put my arms around you and hug you properly as you deserve.

AmberWitch…well…our life is, soon, taking a turn for the better. It has nearly been a year since I met you online (Miss W’s birthday!!!) and nearly 6 months since the first time I actually got to hug you in person. My life is better because of your support and love. I couldn’t ask for a better partner in life (even if you ARE a Republican *grin*).