what you probably didn't know.

Well, I have to admit a few things first:

• I have neglected my blog, but it's been for good reasons.
• I have made a new (private) blog, but I will share it when the time is right. 
• I have had no drive to blog whatsoever - that is, until today. 

Okay, so some of this post is going to keep me smiling, while the rest may draw a tear, but I have to tell it all.

       During the first of October, I met the most incredible man I have ever known (aside from my Daddy - because he will always be my #1, of course). I remember him walking into my office hour at school, and something about his shy attitude captivated me. The more I got to know him, the more I realized how sweet, sincere, and truly kindhearted he really was. He lives in the sticks, lets me ride the tractor with him, and always wants to know about my day. We don't have to be going somewhere all the time for us to enjoy being together, and I can literally sit with him on a three hour drive and never have the urge to turn on the radio because I enjoy nothing more than having a conversation with him. We never run out of things to say to each other. Really, how often does a girl find that these days? Someone who is in LOVE with his family, and he still makes room to love me and remind me of it everyday - even when we aren't able to visible see each other. I see a glimmer of my Daddy in him - they both have a wonderful sense of humor, and they both know exactly what to say to me to make me feel better. He meshes so well with my family, and I have prayed about that! I am truly thankful that everyone gets along, and my family loves him, too!

      David & I have been together close to eight months, and I have honestly never been happier. I have all the reasons in the world to smile knowing that he's got my back, supports me, and does not leave my side. Little did I know at the time, but that would be exactly what I needed in the months to come.


Fast forward to Thanksgiving.

    My family had all been together for lunch, and I was anxious for the rest of my family to finally meet David in person after hearing so much about him! It was a happy day. We left, full as ticks, and went home to debate an afternoon hunt. While we were at home, Mom called. She told me that she was worried about Mimi because she had shared with her after lunch about having a knot on her stomach. I kind of dismissed it a little because I didn't want to worry until we knew for sure. Despite the fact that Mom had told me not to mention it, I had to tell David because I needed someone to be there to understand my thoughts IF it did turn into anything other than nothing; plus, he could clearly tell something was wrong.
    After weeks of test, back and fourths to doctors, and not being exactly sure of what was going on, Mimi had an appointment in a town three hours away from our hometown. I was anxious that day, but I tried to dismiss it again because I was taking my final Algebra test (which also determined a passing grade. Ya'll, I'm a math whiz! Except, not really.) Anyway, when I got home, I knew things weren't right, and Mom came in while I was pouring a bowl of cereal for supper. I waited anxiously through the small talk, and I never pushed her to tell me anything. I kind of felt like she would say it when she got the strength up to do so (she's always trying to be strong), but with Daddy lingering close by, I knew it wasn't good news.
    The next few moments are a blur to me as Mamma carefully explained the way the day had gone, and honestly I can't recall anything she said. All I heard was "cancer". What? Excuse me, huh? CANCER? No. No - because she is my grandmother. Not only is she the definition of grandmother, she is also the definition of ONE TRUE BEST FRIEND. She truly, truly is. All of the sudden, my world stopped, and I felt like the blood had been sucked out of my entire body, and the wind left in my cells evaporated into a salty pool of tears.
    I couldn't help but be selfish about the entire situation. If this was cancer, would she be at my graduation? My next graduation? Am I going to be able to call her & tell her I'm engaged? See her ushered down the isle at my wedding? Watch me start a family? -- I knew I was getting WAY too ahead of myself, and ultimately I knew that God was in control, but I was so doubtful for weeks. I wanted myself to believe that "He was in control" and "He knows what's best", but in reality I could only think about what I PERSONALLY thought was best. She NEEDS to be here with ME. She has to be on the other end of the phone line when I'm mad at everyone else in the world, and she has to be my voice of reason. She always has, and I just kept saying while talking to Hollie & David that "I can't be without her."

That is the truth.
Amen.

  The next few days were spent praying, crying, and wondering, and later that week we met with her doctor, but we didn't make the drive back three hours away, we met him at his other office - only about 35 minutes away. He came in, and to be honest, he was probably somewhat overwhelmed at everyone in the room with Mimi at the time. My mom, my Nannie, of course Mimi, and I all crowded the tiny examination room and awaited anxiously for him to discuss the Chemo procedures. Truthfully, Mimi was stressed out about the entire thing. Can't you imagine? Thinking you have some minor issue one morning and by that afternoon it has been confirmed that you have been thrown into the pool with the other 53,000 people who are diagnosed with Lymphoma every year? Yeah, overwhelming is an understatement, but we kept encouraging her (and ourselves as we said it out loud) that everyone in our town was praying for her.
  To make a long story short, Mimi started her chemo treatments the week after Christmas, and I am so glad to say that she finished at the beginning of this month, and she is doing as well as she was prior to the diagnoses. I cannot be more thankful for an individual being in my life. She is the strongest woman I know, and all she had to do was have the faith of a mustard seed - and she moved mountains by the way she conducted herself, never losing strength, hope, and her sweet, sweet smile.

  So, while I left the blogosphere for a few months, a lot has happened, and God has orchestrated it all. He has been so faithful to my family during these last few months, and He has also given me a new person that I know I can count on - as well as keeping one here that I've always counted on.


Lastly, this blog holds so much of my past that I am proud of, but it also holds a lot of my life that I am thankful to have moved past. Do not be confused - I am thankful for every experience in my life, but I can also say that I have learned from many of them and moved on. I have started a new blog to document my new chapter in life, and I have chosen to keep it under my belt for now. I am in such a wonderful place in my life, and I cannot wait for the moments, days, months, and years to come. I am proud to have my family - and we are as close knit as ever, and I am proud to have David and his family because they are so close to my heart, too. With that being said, stay tuned to hear about my next blog link.

Thank you to those of you who have called, texted, emailed, sent cards, or reached out in person to my Mimi, me, and my family. You will never know how much a simple word of encouragement can mean to a person until you are in their position. It is so wonderful to know that you are backed by prayer warriors who genuinely care about your family and want the best for them. Your efforts will not be forgotten.

.."O LORD God Almighty, who is like You? You are mighty, O LORD, and Your faithfulness surrounds You." ~ Psalm 89:8 

Praising in the storm...

I was talking to one of my best friends this morning on the phone, and as we re-hashed the situation in Tuscaloosa, AL, as well as what came through our portion of MS yesterday, I couldn't help but be more humbled than I was prior to the phone call. 

There is no other way around saying that God had his hand of protection on us during yesterday's storms. I don't know why we have been spared, but I do believe there is a reason. The town of Tuscaloosa has been devastated - people lost their lives, other people missing. Clearly there is no cell service or electricty - and yet so many of us think the world is ending due to not having any power in some portions of our area. 

How could we be so selfish? 

How could I be so selfish? 

I asked myself this a dozen times once we got off the phone. 

All of my friends are safe, and although I have family members close to Tuscaloosa, they are all safe as well. 

I had to take a moment to stop and be thankful, grateful, and although sometimes I fail at practicing both of those things - I had to give praise where praise was due. 

I should remind myself to do that more. 

This was our radar & predictions for Wednesday. Apparently "spotty" red is worse than red all together because all of those winds are working against each other or something? I'm no meteorologist, and I sometimes forget what I hear. Anyway... :

The following photos are a photo-journey that my Daddy & I set out on just minutes after our area was cleared from the "warnings", probably right around the time that Alabama's lives were changing dramatically. At the end, there is a video of the tornado going through Tuscaloosa. 

I was sure by now, 

God, You would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

Stepped in and saved the day

but once again, I say "Amen" & it's still raining.

As the thunder rolls, 

I barely hear Your whisper through the rain

"I'm with you". 

& as Your mercy falls, 

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away. 

And I'll praise You in this storm,

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

And every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm 

I remember when

I stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry to you 

& you raised me up again

My strength is almost gone

How can I carry on

If I can't find You 

But as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain

"I'm with you" 

And I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am 

And every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I lift my eyes unto the hills.

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord;

The Maker of Heaven and Earth.

 And I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am 

& every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand.

You never left my side, 

and though my heart is torn...

I will praise You in this storm.

"Give thanks in all circumstances."

 - 1 Thes. 5:18

white blank page.

getting caught up in moments.

acting on impulse.

over-thinking.

under-thinking.

holding on.

taking less when feeling like more has always been given.

getting carried away.

running from issues at hand.

being full of ungratefulness.

and.

so.

on.

These are things that I believe every eye reading this can relate to. These things may happen to you on a normal basis. You may be guilty of these things more than once a day. As I face you through words on the other side of the computer, my mind can go back to instances where I have been caught in the middle of each of these scenarios. I won't bore you with all types of things to think about, but I will bore you with a few, anyway.

getting caught up in moments, for example, is one I find myself doing all the time. I don't necessarily think this is a bad habit, actually. To me, it to me is a wonderful habit. Say you're on a nice afternoon stroll to the refuge and you're struck with a moment to just be still & take in the atmosphere around you. Sometimes, those are moments you may never forget. The serenity, the peace, the colors, the beauty, or the simple sounds of a summer afternoon.
It is a wonderful habit to be in the middle of a crowded room of your family at Christmas & let your mind stop only to remind you of just how precious the people around you are - reminding yourself of the influence they've had on your life by living from examples of the people who lived before you were born. Their words from meaningful conversations you've had with them dance through your head, and your heart nearly burst with happiness knowing that THEY are YOUR family.

acting on impulse is a constant struggle. Sometimes I allow myself to speak the instant thoughts that come to my mind, defending myself in a way that could have been handled differently if I had taken the time to think about what I was saying. I believe that you, as I said earlier, could probably nod your head in agreement when I say that I'm 110% sure there has been at least one moment in your years of living that you wish you could go back to, if only for a second, and tweak a sentence or two of something you've said to someone (or about someone). I know i've been there. That's the beauty of impulse, though. It is a sudden act, and during this act - sometimes words are spoken that you may not even realize you're saying until it's all ready been said. But as you know, by then it's too late, my friend.

holding on can come in all types of disguises. For me it's been covered in five years of denial with the outfit of pride to clothe its stupidity. You see, holding on, to me, is more often a bad habit than a good one. The past is obviously over, but you're making the future your past whenever you hold onto it like Lionel's (Charlie Brown) blue blanket. This can consume your daily actions, thought process, and sometimes even your life. Allowing yourself to be consumed in the hopes of the past coming back and reliving itself is clearly unhealthy. The hardest part about it, to me, is deciphering between "holding on" and simply "remembering". I'll get back at ya'll when I realize where that thin line is drawn. :) Moments are fragments of time that are unplanned, accidental, or non-intentional, and these moments can be unforgettable in a wonderful way or a horrible one. Why do we allow ourselves to go back to these instances when moments, unforgettable ones, were made? Well, because we want to remember the way they made us feel, so we can find that same feeling in another moment or so we can run far away from it. Holding on happens. Holding on is a form of coping, in my opinion. It is also consuming over the mind and cloaked in garments that are appealing yet deceiving.

being full of ungratefulness can't always be detected for me. It usually rushes over me like a raging waterfall all at once.  I can be in the stillest of moments, and suddenly my mind reminds me of things that I have taken for granted. Sometimes, as I mentioned earlier, there are times when I am in the moment & nothing else is going on around me when I can be still and be grateful for whatever it is that I am experiencing. Other times, there may be something that triggers my thought process that takes me back to weeks or sometimes months beforehand when I should have been thankful for an opportunity that had been given to me, and it had simply slipped my mind.


These are daily struggles. This is just something to think about. Let your mind take you through the list of things at the top. Where do you draw the line for these things happening daily in your life? Are they struggles or situations that you shrug off your shoulders? Whatever they may be, these scenarios happen in an everyday life. It is neither a wonderful thing or a terrible thing. It is life, and it is really only a matter of whether or not you want take the time to notice them.


To think that this post was simply a big white box of nothing when I began, not knowing what it is that I wanted to blog about.....


...now you're full of information that is probably useless for you, but it's simply therapeutic for me to type out. Thanks for enduring it.

of all of my favorites, you, nameless, remain number one.

first things first. I've been thinking a LOT this (January 20, 2009) post. It was beautiful for me.

i'm at a loss on what to blog about, really, so i thought i'd change things up again & instead of writing some "twisted" story about the way a certain thing has happened in my life, I thought i'd just blog about my favorites. Here is a list of all of my favorite random things! Feel free to join in.
 Oh, and on Thursday I think i'll start "Thankful Thursday" we'll see how that goes! ;) Enjoy!

Any of these can be PLURAL:

Movie:
-funny: the hangover :)
-scary: vacancy
romantic: the time travelers wife
-suspenseful: shutter island
--also LOVE Avatar..i cannot talk about that movie enough.

Place: the creek in the summer, dirt roads with the windows down, and outside late at night (especially after it rains.)


Song:
-sad: 10 Hours - Warren Barfield/ Set the Fire to the Third Bar - Snow Patrol
-happy: (according to iTunes) You're the Love I Wanna Be In - Jason Aldean
-dance: Billie Jean - Michael Jackson


Actor: I have to stay true to Josh Hartnett, but I also LOVE Leo Decaprio and Matt Damen


Actress: Rachel McAdams, Kate Winslett, and Blake Lively


Artist (Musical):
-country:Eric Church, Eli Young Band, Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert.
-rock: Daughtry, Nickelback, Avenged Sevenfold, Killswitch Engage, Seether, Shinedown, Theory of a Deadman.
-other: The Script, Warren Barfield, Sara Bareilles, Sister Hazel, Ashley Monroe.


TV Show: Army Wives, Greys Anatomy, American Idol, and Ace of Cakes


Quote: .."not just for now, but for always." - can't reveal my source ;)


Instrument: by far, the violin & guitar.


Pet(s): my Marlee!


Word: phrase? "you bet!" and...for some reason, "disgusting".


Lyric: .."I let myself get lost in your eyes awhile, not another passenger in here can see how in my mind your holdin' me, while outside the cold makes snow out of the rain, but in here we're just strangers on a train."


Memory:
-family: the beach trips when I was little, the ones I have now with my Mommy & Mimi, and Parris Island with my Daddy this summer (and all our hunting trips).
-friend: ahh.. all of the countless miles we've put on our vehicles just riding & discussing life as we know it, my time spent with you, and getting to know love...for the first time.


Book: "A Bend in the Road" & "The Guardian" by Nicholas Sparks. I also love any movie about the Halocaust.


Smell: air after rain, cupcake/cookie candles, and weirdly: gasoline.


Color: any "earthy" colors..and black.


Sport:
-to play: softball.
-to watch: football & baseball.


Ice Cream: cookie dough & cake batter.


Drink: well, I love sweet tea, but i'm going on 61 days of JUST water (and OJ & Milk)


Dessert: Tinker Cake. (chocolate cake with thick chocolate icing & nuts...served warm w/ milk :)


Entree: mexican foooood. No steak or hamburgers (NOT a vegeterian, though!)


Hobby: favorite? ..photography (when it's NOT planned.)


Piece of Technology: i'd say my Macbook, but it totally confuses me, so Blackberry & iTouch.


Feeling: serenity.


Board Game: when I was little, Candyland. Now? Pictionary.


Wild Animal: giraffes.

Wow!

thankfully.

Wow. I was sitting here thinking of the many things i have to be thankful for, and I don't know where to begin.

*i'm thankful for my family. Just the other day I was sitting with my Mimi and we were talking about how valuable life really is, and how we take it for granted each and everyday. We were skimming over things that we should be thankful for in our family: good health, lots of love, etc. i'm thankful for the family time that I anticipate tomorrow, and for the hands that have prepared the food that hosts our conversations. Those hands have taught me all I know about cooking, which may not be a WHOLE lot right now, but we're slowly working on that!

*i'm thankful for the chance i have every afternoon to hunt. God is such an amazing artist, and the way He paints the trees with the colors, the evening sunset, and the way He has crafted every animal to serve a purpose, well, i'm just thankful to be able to take part in that. I'm also thankful for the father and brother who have shown me the ways to be out there and know what i'm doing; i'm very thankful for that.

*i'm thankful for my friends who have been there for me no matter what. I don't feel an urge to name them, for they know who they are. From it being a quick "Have a good day" or "I love you" text, to a call asking me to ride, to listen, for advice, etc. I'm thankful that I have friends that trust me and look to me for advice. I'm thankful that i can do that in return to them, and they answer their calls the same way i do.

*along those same lines, i'm thankful for the friends i have that serve our country. I'm thankful that they have chosen such an honorable vocation. I'm thankful to live in a free country with freedom of speech, religion, etc. Mostly though, i'm thankful for those friends of mine whose job is to make sure that those rights are kept the way they are.

*i'm thankful for the small town i live in, although the drama i could do without.

*i'm thankful for these moments that i'm given the privilege to capture God's artwork on camera because THAT can make my entire day.

*i'm thankful...for everything i'm gonna wish i would've posted, but that i have simply forgotten.

When Duty Calls, a Strong Man Answers...

He is calm, he is quiet, he is proud.

He’s not one to do much to stand out of the crowd.

He doesn’t always say all that he can,

and that is what makes him a unique man.

His height is not short from where he speaks,

but even with his thoughts he could overlook the trees.

While he is tall, he is also slightly thin,

and resembling the pureness of angel wings is his skin.

You could dance in his eyes for they are fields of green,

and his head bears no hair, it is quite a scene!

His arms are round with muscle strength;

he is carried by legs of long length.

His dress is unique from day to day,

but looking during the week this is what it might say,

“United States Marine”, for that is his call,

and fully clothed in camouflage he can hardly be seen at all.

In a moment when I call to rant and rave,

he remains as calm as a man lying in a grave.

He sits, he listens, he nods his head,

he waits ‘til I’m finished to say what needs to be said.

He does not raise his voice, nor does he speak fast.

His words are true, and they are meant to last.

“Semper Fidelis is our motto, and I make it my creed.

I’m always here for you, anytime, no matter what the need.

Friends we have been through thick and thin.

Though I may be far away I’m here to protect and listen,

to help however I can.”

As he stands at attention, his face points straight ahead.

His footsteps are consistent, measured is his tread.

He has worked hard at his occupation,

and walks in a line with men of the same vocation.

He carries the flag for his platoon

and doesn’t talk because it’s against the rules.

So, not much is said unless he is called upon,

but in the moment that he is, all respect is won.

From day one of serving there

his strength has grown and he has learned to care

more about his country and having respect for it.

As he stands in his parade line many thoughts fill my head, and

I can’t help but wonder about what will be said.

When he is released on liberty,

I walk over to him, and that is when I speak.

“I’m just wondering how you’re so brave,

and even when you’re yelled at, your expression is never changed.”

He looks at with me with those sea green eyes,

he shakes his head a little and lets out a sigh.

“It’s what I’ve been called to do, you see.

I can’t tell you why, but it’s where I’m supposed to be.

With freedom there comes a price to pay,

and this is where I’m supposed to be working every day.

I awake in the mornings, lace my boots up tight,

go out to the field, and work until night.

Some days I can’t say I love it, but with my brothers there

the days aren’t so long, and the distance isn’t as hard to bear.”

He doesn’t have much to say, but he knows more than you may think.

While standing across the way, he may give you a wink

as if to say hello or even mentally speak

of things on his mind this week.

Sometimes the silence is too loud for me,

but he says the things he does in a way for me to see

that he really does love me, not only does he care,

but that he’s always there for me no matter where he goes or how long he stays,

his love follows me through the long days.

With us it does not matter, for it is always the same,

and his quiet strength encourages me, it takes away the pain.

He has conversations in his mind about how it all plays out.

“What does the future hold for me, and what’s life all about?

Where’s the furthest mile I’ll go,

and what’s my future to be like later down the road?

How many people will I meet along the way,

and just how long will I have to stay?”

He puts these questions aside for now because he knows it’s only about the vow he’s made for his country and for those who risk their lives every day.

He’s sure his unspoken questions will be answered in time

by the orders of his officers who will tell him where to toe the line.

He is tall, quiet, calm, and serene.

He guards his thoughts from all,

but he is the type to say what he means,

and he’s always there to help you up from a fall.

He knows he’s a part of the team,

a gear in a great moving machine.

He doesn’t like to on others lean,

always he is one to say what he means.

He sticks by his friends through thick and thin,

he helps them along the journey of life, there and back again.

He was made to serve our country,
and he certainly serves it well.
No matter what the situation is,
he has faith that right will prevail.

crazy tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful beautiful life. <3

It has been said that a grandmother holds our hands for a little while but our hearts forever. My grandmother has strength among her that I wish I could have. She loves unconditionally, and her passion overflows. For seventeen years of my life she has shown me these things about herself: strength, love, and passion.
My Mimi has endured a lot in her life. Every time I look at her, I see a beautiful life, a life that has been full of happiness, love, and laughter. She has given those things back to everyone she has come across too. Only two months apart from each other, she lost two very important people in her life, her husband and her mother. Her husband was her soul mate, and they were married forty-seven years. She lost her best friend, and she had lost her greatest influence in life.
PawPaw and Mimi dated from their eighth grade year until they were married. He liked for her to be home when he arrived, and she always had supper ready for him. Together they had three beautiful children, one of whom I am proud to call my mother. The other two are a supportive aunt and uncle. She taught them how to work hard, and how to believe in everything they do with all their heart. PawPaw had an influence on that as well.
On June 23, 2006, PawPaw passed away. I know it was one of the hardest days of her life, but she has been strong. She has held her head high and stood tall. Although I know she missed him by her side, his laughter filling the room, and his ocean blue eyes staring back at her, she rarely lets on. Yes, the grief overcomes her every once in awhile, but I believe that she draws strength from knowing that she will be with him again one day, she will dance with him in Heaven, and she will never have to leave his side.
Mimi is passionate about everything from her grandchildren to football. She is especially passionate about Mississippi State sports. She is either attending the game, or she’s listening to it. She is also passionate about fishing. I can remember when I was younger that all our Saturday afternoons would be spend on a pond bank catching bass and brim.
My grandmother loves unconditionally, and she is loved endlessly. She is a person you can always depend on, because no matter what the situation is, she is always there. She wants nothing more than for everyone in her family to be happy. She has always been a very selfless person, making sure everyone was satisfied before herself. She has blessed me by being my best friend. She has forever been there fore me, whether it was to listen to one of my “Pee-Wee Cheers” or to hear me cry on the other end of the phone. She has never once complained about listening to me, and I am forever grateful for her.


I love you, Mimi.! Thank you for everything. You have influenced me in ways that I may never be able to tell you, and I draw strength from YOUR strength. You are wise beyond words, and your advice has helped me overcome many, many things. I love you with my whole heart, and I cannot begin to thank you enough.

& i could not ask for more..

These people are taken for granted every single day.
The people that care about me the most..the people
who've always believed in me, so here's your dedication,
i love you all. Even if your song & name aren't posted.

I'm five years old it's getting cold
i've got my big coat on i hear your laugh
and look up smiling at you
i run and run past the pumpkin patch
and the tractor rides
look now the sky is gold
i hug your legs and fall asleep on the way home
i don't know why all the trees change in the fall
i know you're not scared of anything at all
don't know if snow white's house is near or far away
but i know i had the best day with you today

i'm thirteen now and don't know how my friends could be so mean
i come home crying and you hold me tight and grab the keys
and we drive and drive until we found a town far enough away
and we talk and window shop till i forgot all their names
i don't know who i'm gonna talk to now at school
but i know i'm laughing on the car ride home with you
don't know how long it's gonna take to feel ok
but i know i had the best day with you today

i have an excellent father
his strength is making me stronger
God smiles on my little brother inside and out
he's better than i am i grew up in a pretty house
and i had space to run and i had the best days with you

there is a video i found from back when i was three
you set up a paint set in the kitchen and you're talking to me
it's the age of princesses and pirate ships and the seven dwarfs
daddy's smart and you're the prettiest lady in the whole wide world

now i know why all the trees change in the fall
i know you were on my side even when i was wrong
and i love you for giving me your eyes staying back
and watching me shine and i didn't know if you knew
so i'm taking this chance to say that
i had the best day with you today
My daddy. The man of my life. My best friend,
this song..is amazing in describing our relationship.
He always does whatever he can to make sure
i'm okay. He's the best friend i'll ever have. I love you!

In my daughter's eyes, I am a hero.
I am strong an' wise, And I know no fear.
But the truth is plain to see: She was sent to rescue me,
I see who I wanna be, in my daughter's eyes.
In my daughter's eyes, everyone is equal, Darkness turns to light,
And the world is at peace.
This miracle God gave to me, Gives me strength when I am weak.
I find reason to believe, in my daughter's eyes.
An' when she wraps her hand around my finger,
Oh, it puts a smile in my heart.
Everything becomes a little clearer. I realize what life is all about.
It's hangin' on when your heart has had enough;
It's givin' more when you feel like givin' up.
I've seen the light: it's in my daughter's eyes.
In my daughter's eyes, I can see the future.
A reflection of who I am, An' what will be. An' though she'll grow an', some day, leave:
Maybe raise a family, When I'm gone, I hope you'll see,
How happy she made me,
For I'll be there, in my daughter's eyes.
My mother. My comfort. The person that i come to
when everything is built up inside of me & i want to
explode. We talk, we listen, we laugh, we cry. She's
my girl. I love you!


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You are not alone tonight
Imagine me there by your side
It's so hard to be here so far away from you
I'm counting the days till I'm finally done
I'm counting them down, yeah, one by one
It feels like forever till I return to you
But it helps me on those lonely nights
It's that one thing that keeps me alive
Knowing that you wait for me
Ever so patiently
No one else knows the feeling inside
We hang up the phone without saying goodnight
Because it's the sound of your voice that brings me home
It's never been easy to say
But it's easier when I've gone away
Knowing that you wait for me
Ever so patiently
Yeah, you're everything I've ever dreamed of having
and It's everything I need from you just knowing
that you wait for me
What I'd give
What I'd do
Knowing I'm not there for you
Makes it so hard to leave
What I'd give
What I'd do
Anything to get me home to you
And this time I'll stay
And you wait for me
Ever so patiently
Yeah, you're everything I've ever dreamed of having
and It's everything I need from you just knowing
that you wait for me.
my best friend, Clint. Not a love song, just a song
for someone i'm really going to miss. For someone
who's always going to be my very best friend no matter
what. Foralways, i love you!





Big blue skies and an open field
My right hand on the steering wheel
Two young lovers runnin' wild
We bought string and a brand new kite
We couldn't wait to watch it fly
But it flew too high, it flew too high
Here comes the wind let your string unwind
Run as fast as you can in your mind
Back to a place that you never forgot
Before everything was lost
I don't remember when we ran out of rope
When we did we lost all hope
And we just stood there cryin'
That what's we learned about flyin'
So I took your hand and you took mine
And we waltzed together in time
But looking back I guess I didn't know
That I was in love and you were letting go
It's funny how your mind plays tricks on you
Seemed like the higher and higher we flew
You took off and I was made of stone
I was made of stone
Here comes the wind let your string unwind
Run as fast as you can in your mind
Back to a place that you never forgot
Before everything was lost
I don't remember when we ran out of rope
When we did we lost all hope
And we just stood there cryin'
That what's we learned about flyin'
& even though this' kind of a love song,
it reminds me of her, simply because the
song talks about learning things, and with
Meg, by best friend, i've grown up alot with
her, & we've learned alot together. I love you!