Happy times

 I have been hitting you with some pretty heavy stuff lately but I have to say it wasn't all bad.  When I lived in A to Z Mobile Home Park I had friends that would come by, we would ride bikes, go to the corner store for penny candy, play games and my favorite thing to do was to dance.  We would put a blanket outside of my bedroom window and just dance.  So many fun memories. Music was everything to me and it still is. It helped me escape and feel free.  Even to this day, I may not remember the timeframe of things very well but I always remember what songs or music was popular in each phase of my life. 

My mom was close to her sisters, especially the ones that were geographically close as they were easy to visit.  We would go to New Jersey to visit my Aunt Mary quite often.  I loved going there!  My Aunt Mary was a free spirit just like my mom.  Those two would get together and sing, dance, and just belly laugh for hours. I loved seeing my mom like that.  Not a care in the world.  My Aunt Mary didn't drive, ever!  She didn't typically enjoy riding in cars.  I remember we had a green Pontiac and Aunt Mary was in the passenger seat, my mom was driving and of course, I am sitting in the back.  My mom had a heavy foot and would often exceed the speed limit.  I remember Aunt Mary saying, Doris Jean, you better slow this car down. She was scared to death.  My mom replied, Mary Catherine, the Lord is driving this car.  Aunt Mary replied, well tell the Lord to slow down, he is driving too fast.  I loved their relationship.  After my mom passed away (will get to that another time) my Aunt Mary called me frequently to check in on me. She told me she made a promise to Doris Jean that she would look after me, and she did.  She passed away about 10 or so years ago.  I miss her so much. I also spent many summers in VA with my mom's other two sisters, Aunt Ann and Aunt Linda.  Aunt Ann recently passed away at the age of 94 and my sweet Aunt Linda is still alive and taking the world by storm.  My mom would cut up with them as well.  I just loved when the Johnson sisters would get together, you knew there would always be dancing, singing, and tons of laughter!  I didn't get to see my Aunt Nancy often as she lived in Tennessee or my Aunt Janie as she lives in California.     

As I told you, I had ALL the things when we moved out of that park.  I spent so much time three-wheeling, riding my horse, swimming, running around the property, and just being a kid.  I had school friends over quite a bit as I felt comfortable doing so now that my dad was sober. 

My dad and I were very close during those sober years and before he cheated on my mom. We would talk quite a bit, and watch Wheel of Fortune together almost every evening. I was just so proud of him.  I think even as a kid I had the ability of discernment and it was strong. I can feel energy and know when people are not who they say they are or when they need something extra to be ok.  I am that person that people feel comfortable talking to about just about anything, anywhere.  Over the years that has been a blessing and a curse.  I had to go through those hard years to have the ability to connect to people, to relate to them, to say I understand and you are not alone.  I get it now and I appreciate the lessons I have learned through the years.  I am not done learning and I can't wait to see what is in store for me in the future.   

As I close for this evening, I want to remind you, you may be going through a tough time right now and you can't understand why or how it is going to change.  These storms are never permanent, they come and go. Such is life.  You have made it through tough times before and you will do it again.  Your test just may be a testimony in someone else's life. You are a survivor!