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.