Monday, November 30, 2009

A Slap in The Face...

I woke up this morning, with one word burned into my brain...'Singlehandedly'... My dear friend, Steph, had made the comment, that I should look at my accomplishments, that I have done 'singlehandedly'.... Oh my Lord, NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!!!! At 5:00 this morning, I sat straight up in bed. With all the names and faces of those who have held their hands out, and broke their backs, helping me. People think I am the 'Lone Ranger', because I travel alone, a lot. But without the help, I have been soo blessed with, I'd be in a soup kitchen... To begin, my husband, John, who keeps vehicles running, furniture mended, animals and children cared for, supper fixed, when I work so late...Added on to our house, and works his tail off on some crisis, daily... I could go on and on... My countless friends over the years, that I have shared booths with, that I have demanded soo much from, in patience, and ladder climbing, and heavy lifting...that have come in sleet and rain, to help me load, just to help...The knowledgeable friends, I know, who will help me, with no strings, figure out what something is. The folks I buy from, that care enough, to call me first. The folks I sell to, who think enough, to call me first, when looking for something, or come to our booth first, at a show. The many great friends, who come out during 'sale time' set up, and endure a grueling week. The folks who travel for miles and miles, to attend the Sale. The people who I can call on, to listen, and council. My daughter, Liz, and my second daughter { Liz's best friend Kristy} who have travelled with me, since they were 8 years old, to shows... My friends who come from miles away, sometimes in the worst of conditions, to shop at the store... My son, Justin, who when I am crazy enough to buy something, that weighs 10 tons, will help move it. People I hardly know, that leave their numbers, so if I should need a hand, to please call, my new blogger friends, that have left so many encouraging posts, on their blogs, and comments, that have really made me think. I thought about naming them all, but I would be here all day...really... If this is 'Singlehandedly', it's a pretty Big Hand... I guess that's why, when I stand at a cross road, as I am now, look back, make my own excuses, I realize, how many have helped so much, and have faith in me, and I don't want to disappoint... Business is holding it's own. It is probably no worse than many... I am thankful, it is still alive...some are not...Maybe it's my age, as I get older, the winter shakes me up a little more, and the new year, full of unknowns... I see that I keep looking out, farther and farther into the future, and guessing, with all the 'what ifs', seeking out my shortcomings, all my mistakes... I need to keep doing what I know, and do best... Today....That is all I can do. And pray we all do well, in whatever direction we may travel. Barb C.

2 comments:

pollyanns said...

You are what I would call a truly "grateful" person. You have to realize, young lady, that ALL of those who help you choose to do so because you are so wonderful! They aren't choosing to help just anybody, they have chosen to help you because each and everyone of them know that you would do the same for them in a heartbeat. You're one of a kind, love... one of a kind and I am prouder than heck to call you my friend. I loves ya!!!

summersundays-jw said...

You certainly do have a lot of people behind you and are you ever lucky. For some reason it's hard for most to say someone helped me. You just keep the faith -- the best is yet to come. Jan