Another lesson

It's not when times are fun that you know who your friends really are. It's those days when you've reached your limit and your car flew off the rollercoaster of life. The friends who help to pick up the pieces and get you back on the ride are your real friends.

Those people who know when you need a good laugh or to let off some steam or even just a "I've got your back" to put the pep back in your step. I took a lot of things for granted but I got a wake up call today, it was harsh but sometimes we don't pay attention until we're slapped across the face.

I refuse to look at the bad of the situation even though I'm not dumb enough to ignore it. All I can do is take steps to protect myself (Kevlar vest anyone, the daggers are flying at my back) and not get dragged into the mud.

You see, those are the other so-called friends. The ones who find it entertaining to watch you fall and then try to drag you to the muddy pit instead of help you back on track. Those are the ones to be cautious around. Even when you do everything right, they'll find some dirt on you or make it up. Why? If I could answer that a million problems around the world would be solved. But, I can't because I'm not one of those people.

I can only hope that the people like that find what they're looking for in a positive outlet or realize that they're hurting others and not helping themselves. Maybe then they can explain what it was that caused the behavior, but that's something only they can answer.

Me... I'll be back on the track bumping along. A little worse for wear maybe, but the armor used to fix the holes is stronger than the original. Those other people... they're still waiting by their pits for the next fall. Not really enjoying anything, just waiting for others to fail. And that's really sad isn't it. I can be mad that they made me a target, but in the end I only feel pity for them. Pity that they can't find their own cars and begin to enjoy their own rides.

And I'm happier for knowing that I'm not alone and the people who matter will be there when I need them.
Jennifer