I can think of many people that have impacted my life to shape me into the person I am today, but probably my biggest influence of all was my Grandfather that passed away from cancer in 2007.
From observing him and my grandmother together, I learned about the definition of "unconditional" love, she was by his side for the final 3 1/2 months of his life and never left him for one second.
I also leaned on him when something went wrong in my life and he taught me about trusting in myself and following my gut. He also showed me what it was like to be completely and utterly adored and loved, for that I am eternally grateful.
He taught me about humility, honesty, pride, and integrity, about giving back to others and being my own person. Of all the lessons I learned from him, the most important was how much we should value our time on this earth with the people who love us and when he came home to die, I asked him a series of questions and in the end, he said he was not scared he was ready to go but the only part that bothered him was "I'm going to miss my family." So from him, I learned about how about love and loss and why it is so important to never take a single breath or day for granted.
Some (not all) people work hard to accomplish what they have in life and to have financial security. I wouldn't say being wealthy, middle class or even living w/in limited means is a reason to look down on someone. Just as I feel that someone that has worked hard to afford the "finer things" in life should be judged for being materialistic.
While it's true, some people of wealth can be unappreciative and condescending to the lower class, a majority of those of self-made wealth know their roots and do not forget their humble beginnings.
We should never judge someone based on their material wealth and instead look inside to see the inner person they truly are, just the same applies to those individuals of limited means as well, we are all human beings and unique, there is good and bad everywhere you look and lifestyle and financial success has little bearing on the true character of a person.
Insecurity with themselves and a desire to control another person, best reasons I can think of. If a person cannot be completely honest with you and accept you for who you are, is he or she really the one you want to be with? Hell-o no, so either take me as I am or watch me as I go, real simple.
You are very correct and wise, you hit it spot on, for some reason sometimes it just takes one brief interlude to get rid of the last of that baggage and POOF life magic, it's gone and it's freeing and wonderful! So happy for you!
They are NOT exactly the same, their posting styles are different, their responses are different, though you might see a bit of a physical similarity between the two...I guess the only way you can be sure is to have him send you a plane ticket so you can check for yourself 100%...
I'd bake some cookies or buy a cookie platter for the occasion, leave out the ex-lax and arsenic...tis the Season! Good luck, I honestly do not envy you this situation at all..
Peter Falk...a series of movies/tv show about Lt. Colombo a detective in homicide w/ the LAPD..brilliant movies! Love them..he's one of my all-time favorites! : )
Well beings I am from Illinois (profile states St.Louis, Mo, but my town is so small CS wouldn't recognize my zip code.. ) but I'm from Illinois and for those who don't know, we are one of the most politically corrupt states in the US..so it's not a stretch for me to think there are corrupt law enforcement officials as well..not to difficult to see JMHO.
Okay, there are many other areas to skip and frolic, when we leave the OP will be happily entertained by the sounds of croaking frogs and chirping crickets...
I absolutely believe the way someone thinks influences the way the body responds and has the inner ability to heal itself. This has been proven by researchers that state depression manifests itself in certain types of cancer, hypertension and many other ailments.
Your niece will be in my thoughts and prayers...I wish her the best.
Patmac would need a CS lovely that could keep up with his Scottish fire and sense of humor and that would best fit his fancy..maybe Jac, or Venusinsilk??
RE: passing time
DG on that note I LOVE the "Messing with Sasquatch" commercials..those make me just cut up...