Home Sweet, Home! During trying times, this is where I want to be.

There’s no place like home
Today, with all this uncertainty due to the Corona Virus, this is exactly where I want to be.  I'm grateful to find comfort in the simple things--that comforting cup of coffee in my hand, a good breakfast, watching an old 1940s movie on TCB, my girls—Millie & Roxy—nearby and my husband, Kevin taking my picture (ha!!)
No but seriously, I love and cherish my happy place.  When I was a kid, I didn’t exactly have one.

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James Rd. Elementary
4th Grade 
Columbus, Ohio
When I was younger, home for me was not a comforting place.  Instead, it was stressful, scary and secluded.
I fended for myself much of the time.
Mom and dad were divorced. Mom worked and my two older brothers weren’t exactly nurturing. On the contrary, they were bullies and I was the focus of their ire. Mike and Steve had tempers and I would be the convenient punching bag—especially verbally.
I walked on egg shells and was always on guard in my own home. You see, nothing I did was never good enough.  When I opted to be brave and do something constructive—say make macaroni & cheese, dust or unload the dishwasher my brothers were always there to criticize. I didn’t add enough cheese. I didn’t put the forks back in the drawer correctly. I missed a spot. “How could anyone be so stupid?” Steve would ask. They always told me I was an idiot, I was ugly.  
I believed them.
The result was often a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, anxiety, I guess it was.
So, I’d hide in my room with the door locked until mom got home every night at 5:30.
I don’t blame mom. She had to work and I loved her—and still do—very much.
Today, the bully is the Corona Virus and with the situation seemingly turning dire every hour, that sick feeling is back.
But compared to my childhood and compared to many people during this time of uncertainty, I’m doing quite well. And in order to get through this tough time I will keep praying for others around the world, friends & family while reminding myself to count my many blessings.

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​I’m Happy, Grateful
1/I’m healthy and so are my friends and loved ones
2/I have a roof over my head
3/I can make a cup of coffee without any judgement from anyone in my home
4/I can create a meal without anyone telling me I’m doing it wrong
5/I can work out
6/I can sit at my computer and think & write
7/I can watch TV
8/I can read books
9/I can curl up with Millie & Roxy and take a nap secure in knowing I won’t make anyone angry
10/And I thank God, that today, I'm no longer forced to go to my room and lock the door

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eote to Mom
Mommy if you’re reading this. This was not your fault. You were a hard-working woman who did the best job possible—giving us a home and hot meals. I would not change a thing—after all—look at my now, mommy-- I turned out just fine. I loved you then and I love you even more today!
 
How are you counting your blessings in these tough times? Share below.

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