Karley Kay

Merry Christmas to all!! I've been home in virginia for a week now! Virginia really is "for lovers". Our family is not doing presents this year. That is honestly the last thing on my mind. I'll tell you a little about what is on my mind this Christmas day. I have so much gratitude in my heart. I have so much love, admiration, sympathy, and curiosity inside my soul. I am overwhelmed. I literally stand all amazed at how time has flown and how the years have gone by; how i am sitting here in my parent's home, 22 years old, and have come to the conclusion that i am still figuring out who i am and i am completely at peace with that fact. I am over joyed to be here, to be surrounded by friends and family, by people i love! Tonight we had friends over for Christmas eve dinner. It is not secret that most of my good friends are married, and a good majority of them have children. My oldest friend came over tonight with her "husband" and 2 children. I have known her since i was 2. We met at preschool when my family lived in sandston. I am so grateful to have ties with friends i can say i have known for more than 20 years! I have seen her once before when her first child was just born and before that it was when i was her maid of honor in her wedding back in 2005. It saddens me that she is separated from her husband and currently getting a divorce. Another one of my friends who did my hair yesterday just got divorced as well. Am i really that old? The fact that i am already seeing my friends go through divorces? I thought that didn't happen until a lot later in life. Divorce is something i have always feared. It is one of the saddest things in life ecspecially when children are involved. I have come to that realizaiton more than once before. The other day i went into the kitchen and just hugged my parents and then started to cry. They asked me, "what in the world is wrong?" And i think they thought i was joking. I just felt so grateful to have 2 parents who love each other and who have sacrificed so much for each other and for their family. They have worked hard at their marriage and are wonderful examples to me. I am so grateful for the wonderful example they are to me. I know for a fact marriage is no fairy tale and my parent's marriage has not been one for sure. However; i can tell they love each other and have worked together for over 25 years to do the best that they can do. I love them so much. I am so grateful for the opportunities they have given me in my life; opportunities to try new things, travel to new places, and the chance to discover who i really am and what i want in life. They have never doubted me, only encouraged me. They have always supported me and loved me despite my many short comings. I can only hope to be like them one day. I am eternally grateful for their example. Another thing. I tend to go around in life somewhat blinded. I feel like everyone around me lives a perfect life with no trials. Deep down inside i know that is not true. I would like to say- i know deep down inside that no one is perfect and that we all have our trials to bear. I have a deep desire to help those who would allow me to help them in any way. I believe that is why we are here- to help each other- to lift each other up. I know what it feels like to feel down and low, depressed and hopeless. I want to do everything in my power to help someone who is feeling any kind of sadness. I am here for you. I love you and i am happiest in life when i am helping others to feel joy. Merry Christmas everybody!