Open Mike

Well, I am in a sentimental, blue state today. Hormonal, I guess. But I have been on the verge of tears all day. Like everyone else, I am tired all the way down to my bones. And when I get this tired I get all gushy and mushy and sappy. So please bear with me...

All day today I have been thinking about all the things that I am grateful for. When I'm down, counting my blessings helps to pull myself back up. And I am truly blessed in so many ways. I have a wonderful husband, good kids, good grandkids. I am grateful for my family.

I am grateful for my NTI family. No one, except all of us going through it, could begin to know how much stress we all feel. This blog is so helpful to me. It helps me to verbalize my thoughts and feelings. And I feel safe doing it. I know without a doubt that everyone who reads my blogs understands exactly what I'm talking about.

I am grateful for NTI class days. Even though I am really tired on most NTI class days, it is comforting to get in class and see everyone. The feeling of mutual support is very strong in our classes. And Dr. Burns and Jessie TRULY like us and care about us. (I know, I know, this sounds like Sally Fields, but it is the truth!) I am grateful to Dr. Burns for changing our classroom to the Education Building. The Aderhold building was a long, long walk for me...

I am grateful for Esther and Tracy. Without these two girls I could not be doing NTI at all. They drive each week. And they allow me to hang on to their arms and they literally drag me through the streets of Atlanta to find our classroom. Without their physical support I would never get to the classroom, my knees and hips would give way. (I guess I would be mistaken for a bag lady lying on the side of the curb!) I love these two girls and I will forever be grateful for all the many ways that they help me. They are truly blessings in my life.

I am grateful for Julia for being a rock-of-gibraltor (sp?). Julia's manner and calmness are so strong. Just talking to her makes me feel better. Julia has more class in her little finger than some people do in their whole body. My life is richer for having met Julia.

I am grateful for Julie for always being encouraging and always willing to share her knowledge and ideas. Julie inspires me. She has accomplished so much and has a full load at home too.

I am grateful for all the other ladies in our class too. Mortissa, Victoria, everyone. How blessed I am to know each and every one of you.

I am grateful for all the guys in our class. What a fine group of real men that we have! Steve, thank you for always being willing to be our "escort" to the parking lot. I feel safe knowing that you are with us. Your mama raised you right! I hope that all your male students are paying attention to you and learning from you, not just academics, but the real things in life that make a man a man. Ed, thank you for walking with us, and even lending me your coat. How many men still do things like that? I am truly blessed to know all of the guys in our class. Wonderful men! And all of them have such a great sense of humor to boot!

OK. I will stop. But I could go on and on...

My husband is worried that I am getting ready to drop dead. He says that when people get as sentimental and blue as I have been the last few days, it must mean they are dying. He hates it when I get in my sappy moods. He killed a bug and I started crying because I thought he was just going to catch the bug and throw it outside. I didn't mean for him to murder the bug. Yes, I am too sappy!!

Well, I feel better. I sure hope I haven't drug you all down into the dumps with this blog! I really do love you all! And I promise I won't be so sappy the next time we have Open Mike.