As humiliating or as disgusting as life can be we all start and end the same. The "in between" is what usually sets us apart from others. I suppose the tools our parents give us help everyone to cope with trials and tribulations. Although everyone can make their own path most don't. I am a product of my upbringing. Though I do have to admit that I have a lot of faults and nasty stories about how stupid and ridiculous a childish burb brat can be when they come into their own I still feel like I have found the beatin path that others have walked before me. I've been taught just as you have "Never judge a book by it's cover" "Never put your eggs in one basket" "Keep all arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times" and many many more that have helped me stay "Safe" for the most part.
But of the things I have learned on my own there's no easy explanation for them. At least not as witty and rhymable as those that have been told to me by my elders. I do believe in the concept of Karma what goes around comes around. I do believe in God and Jesus. I do believe in Family how it should be and how it should be treated. I take comfort in sorrows and guilt because if it's difficult then I'm doing something right. I know that the earth spun before I came and will spin long after I'm gone. I also know that stories about my past are not what make me interesting or important. I feel that even if if you need or want something with fervor and diligence you still may not get it. I made it through High school spent some years in college given thought to trade schools and talked about going back to college to get my degree. But through all the work, slacking, and talk it boils down to the fact that I am 25, found the man I wish to spend the rest of my life with and have children with, and held a part time job at Kroger handling chicken for the last year. 
To some that statement might look like failure but to me it doesn't. The pride I have for where I have gotten in my life isn't common for someone in my position. Most people my age like this feel they aren't doing anything with their lives and sometimes feel lost. No one has an easy life. Even the rich have problems as well as those who have had their dominoes in a line since childhood. No one gets that kind of a break and I for one don't ever want to be the first to say "Nope all my life my decisions have been simple and easy for me". Granted that sounds nice but the grass is always greener on the other side. There are many people in my life that I will always take with me even if I lose them or just contact with them. Too many, mind you, to bore you with a long list of names that most the people that read this will only know a handful of.
There is one person however that has impacted my life the hardest (no I don't mean the most i really do mean the hardest with all the challenge and difficulty as running through a brick wall can be). She is no savior or saint, nor is she pure or innocent. She is just like me and you. Only difference is for some reason she's never stopped giving a crap about me no matter how hard I made it for her. I've never been able to see things on her level but I sure as hell have seen some sort of light at the end of the tunnel because of her. No that's not a Pun! Her strength whether it be natural or trained is encouraged and applauded by the many strong women in my family. Just remember that if you get one of us you have to deal with all of us. With all that said and done I am who I am, love who I love, and hope that maybe I can do as well as everyone else to raise the nieces and nephews that I have as well as the children I hope I will have in the future. So here I am love me for richer or more likely poorer through lots of sickness and even death because I plan to do the same for you.
Sincerely,
Emily
