It's never as black as it seems

When you're posting on livejournal just to vent vitriol into the wind, because life sucks that day and you don't think anyone gives a rat's ass, and out of the blue three friends write back and wonder if you're OK and if there's anything they can do to help, it makes you realize that you're never really alone, even if it feels that way. There are always people out there that care. Most of the time I'm "up" and try to make life easier for others, but it means more to me than I can say when folks care enough to return the favor if I happen to hit a bump in the road. You know who you are *hug*.

My son works for a large corporation and just told me he's giving notice next week. He's worked his honus off for this company, and is now getting his due reward - no raise, a tiny bonus and a lousy annual review. I'm proud of him. He's kept his integrity intact, he didn't cave to their corporate boolscheet, and I'm glad he's telling them to take their job and shove it - he's got good skills and should have no problem finding something else to keep him going until he can do what he wants, which is get a degree in filmmaking. He's a talented young man with a lot of sensitivity and a gift for writing.

I am reminded of a quote by Jenkins Lloyd Jones:

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed.

"[The fact is] most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. …

"Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.

"The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride"

Today I'm grateful.