"I've got sunshine on a cloudy day...when it's cold outside I got the month of May...I guess you'd say, what can make me feel this way? My girl" Carrie Coodles as Wayne-O refers to her has been my ray of sunshine for 30 years. I thank God the day my brother John married her so she could be part of our lives. Together we have endured so many obstacles, disappointments and life struggles, yet because of our unique bond, we have overcome so much because of our connection. I don't know how to define it, for she is so much more than a friend or sister, so she is my girl, my go-to buddy.
I look forward to our Wednesday morning catch up chats. We just shoot the breeze about our everyday events and lately we have been reflecting on our childhoods and such. I learned many things about her early days that she never shared before, which keeps me in awe of her. She never ceases to amaze me with her strength and optimism. We are on a journey together and share so much in common.
"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break." ~ Chinese Proverb
We both had three kids and our firstborn entered our lives the same year. Mike and Melissa bought their first homes at the same time and we shared the nerves and excitement with that experience. Our boys got married the same year and once again we shared that joy. With two of our three children on their own, we find ourselves enjoying our baby boys and appreciating our last fling as parents before they leave our nests. We lost our moms the same year and both still have our dads. We both grew up with a houseful of estrogen and love to dance. Once that beat gets going, there is no stopping us. We share the philosophy that life is too short to live it with regret or hold a grudge and while we have learned some pretty hard lessons along the way, we realize letting go is sometimes the most healthy road for our souls. That is a very tough call to make, and we support each other if we get to wavering about it. Letting our kids make their own mistakes is another doozy of a call that warrants support from each other and we have had a thousand conversations about it. We shared the Equinox adventure and added that to our profile together. We know how to boost each other up and have never argued. Even when we disagree, we hold such high respect for each other that we move forward on our paths and always share a happy story to make us chuckle. No matter what befalls us, Carrie has always been there for me and I hold a ton of comfort knowing she has my back ~ I will always have hers. I wholeheartedly believe it's basically all about taking turns listening and being able to let loose of our feelings, concerns, vent once and again without worrying about any repercussions or misunderstanding. She gets and accepts me and it is reciprocated. We get the benefit of the doubt. That is a beautiful thing.
Carrie and John raised Melissa, Jason and Robert at a tender age and their family values are to be admired for they have grown so beautifully and continue the Mielzynski lineage as they have Vanessa and Joe with them. They know the secret to life is in compassion and their hearts are growing as big as their mom's. You can see the pride in her eyes as she shares their accomplishments. John is devoted to her. She recently turned me on to Duck Dynasty hence we giggle about their escapades yet find the cohesiveness of their lives refreshing especially the ending sit down dinners with the clan. It reminds us of our Thanksgiving dinners that we shared the last six years. No matter how busy our personal family life gets, we always have that day to reconnect as one unit.
Her birthday is on Easter this year. I heard a story about how a white tulip symbolized forgiveness and there is no one on this earth that knows how to forgive than Carrie. Like the old adage, "be like a duck and let it roll off your back", she constantly inspires me to practice her profound wisdom. She may be much younger than me, but I tell you, Carrie really knows about life from living it. Her resources have helped me in numerous situations to assist others such as the senior exemptions for Uncle Steve and tax and insurance stuff for Dad and my sons. She can easily start up her own business and now that she is taking time away from all the turmoil in the city and enjoying a more relaxing way of life, perhaps that is just what she will do. All I know is that I am grateful to have her in my life.
happy happy happy birthday Carrie xo
quack quack
