Tuesday, May 29, 2007

May 19, 2007

Sometimes in life, you are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even if it's a place you intended to be.

We found out today that one of our contractors was shot and killed while driving his car in broad daylight on a recent Saturday afternoon. The police are still investigating whether it was an act of road rage, random violence, or targeted activity.

He died two days before his 27th birthday. Just a week or two ago, he stood in my living room and excitedly told me all about the gift he'd bought his mom for Mother's Day. I remember thinking that his mom had raised a thoughtful son. Now, that son has been laid to rest.

I don't know what craziness must lurk within someone to make them pull a trigger on another human being. I don't know whether our contractor knew the shooter. What I do know is that life can change in a split second, and everything you thought you had could be lost.

Today, the crushing inconveniences brought by our house fire seem trivial. Today, the long wait for referral feels like nothing, because I am alive to wait. Today, my wanting, and longing and wishing for things I can't seem to reach, has faded. Today, I am simply thankful for the people I love, and it is enough.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Re-

  • Reproductive endocrinologist
  • Remodeling
One shared prefix - two seemingly dissimilar words - so much in common.
  1. Involvement with either gets your hopes up for a positive outcome.
  2. Both involve more money than you ever thought you would spend on things you cannot see.
  3. You wait, and wait, and wait, and then hurry up to do some stuff, then wait, and wait and wait again.
  4. Life as you knew it ceases to be as you focus on the process at hand.
  5. Even your strongest relationships will be taxed.
  6. Nothing goes exactly as you planned the first time around (as predicted by the aforementioned prefix).
  7. Most importantly, you might get what you want in the end. However, luck must be on your side.

I've never been all that lucky. Nonetheless, after four long months of remodeling, we're back in our house as I type this post. And thankfully, with a better end result than we got after spending four long years with our RE.

Thanks to all who supported us during this trying time - your love and friendship make me feel blessed, indeed.