Picking Up The Pieces............

Threads Of Life... Sometimes Life Unravels And You Tie It With A Bow!

You know me and my stories, sagas, whatever you want to call them...but I always hope it will inspire someone, I vent, I get this surge of relief, spirit, joy. And I am so very grateful to God and the loving people in my life. The Bloggers "Chatty Crone" & "Pondside" take a moment in their blogging business to make sweet comments when I write something new and I thank you!
Last September I left a very bad situation, a dangerous marriage that was not healthy. It's been a year of growth in so many ways.

I walked away from shattered and right

into to the arms of new hope.

I think about my dogs "Autumn" and "Spice" and my 3 Cats
"Jasmine", "Thomas" and "Elaine" and
I'm more at peace after having to leave them behind.

I visited my my parents in Florida,

visited family everywhere

counted my blessings

swam

swam some more

counted my blessing again

worked as a job coach

made my greeting cards

went to Savannah and my beloved

Jersey shore

saw places and places

reflected

and I can say it's truly been better than I ever expected.

Lesson Learned:

Humility

1. (noun) humility
the state or quality of being humble; freedom from pride and arrogance; lowliness of mind; a modest estimate of one's own worth; a sense of one's own unworthiness through imperfection and sinfulness; self-abasement; humbleness
2. (noun) humility
an act of submission or courtesy

hu·mil·i·ty

[ hyoo míllətee ]

modesty or respectfulness: the quality of being modest or respectful
[ 13th century. Via French < Latin humilitas < humilis (see humble) ]
Thesaurus
NOUN


Synonyms: self-effacement, unpretentiousness, humbleness, modesty, meekness, shyness

How did I learn this you might ask? I worked with a young lady that has Cerebral Palsy as a Job Coach. She has volunteered at a local hospital making visitor passes for over 13 years, five days a week from 9 am until 2 pm. Everything she does takes effort. She goes through her day having a difficult time walking, talking, swallowing. She sings in a chorus, swims, takes Pilates, exercise class, craft classes and more. She has strength, courage, humor, patience.

I learned from Linda that I have been given such gifts in my life, Linda was a gift God gave me to enable me to see just how very blessed I am.  Jennifer

Colossians 3:12-13

New International Version (NIV)
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 

The Path I've Traveled...

The Path I've Traveled

The path I have traveled, at times seems so long.

Sweet songs I have listened to,

play deep in my mind.

Love given, love taken,

love yearned for so long.

This father - daughter struggle,

a game played by both.

 To reach one another,

and ever become close.

I question, I struggle, I cannot say why.

Life's circle has sped by, we've continued to try.

My sons say "I love you",

friends share their joy.

We stand at distance, the love deep inside.

one step, two steps... come stand by my side.

                                                          Jennifer Ingram 

I don't know if there are other women

out there that struggle with their

relationships with their fathers. 

 I have always wanted to write something

about my relationship with my dad.

He's always been there for me. A phone call away.

We rarely talk. There is a distance between us that

others can see and feel. It's been very painful to me.

I know my dad feels deeply.

I'm a "wear my heart on my sleeve"

kind of a woman.

 If ever two people could be farther apart in personalities.

Well, that's us.

But on this last visit, as I looked at him and thought about our

years of distance and difference ....

I saw a man that has always loved me in his own way.

 Not MY way, HIS way.

My older son said "Mom, maybe Grandpop

struggles with not being able to show his feelings.

 Maybe it's very hard for him."

And I pray and again see God shaking HIS head at me,

"No Jenn, you're not perfect!"

So it HAS to be ok, because it's what it IT is and I love him with all my heart.

He's just a man but he's my dad. MY dad.

So I'm starting a new page in my story.

I'm not standing back. I'm opening my heart and arms.

I'm continuing on my path and allowing myself to finally

love my dad for who he is and letting go of past hurts, wants and wishes...

He's my Dad.

namaste  

this is dedicated to my sons for all the unconditional love they give to me,

I know if you ever have daughters you will love them with hugs, kisses and strength! Momma Hey