Meant to be...

Today, I’m going to embark upon a journey to offer my baby girl tidbits of advice that has helped me throughout my trials and tribulations.  I’m only hoping to help guide her path in this world and assist her in avoiding the many pitfalls that can snuff out dreams like the last bits of daylight at the ends of the world.  These pitfalls were there for a reason, unbeknownst to me at the time, in order for me to gather the courage to move forward towards my ultimate destiny.

 

May be it didn’t turn out like I planned, but I’m sure glad it did…

 

Don’t bemoan those circumstances you will surely encounter along your path cause they were meant to steer you back upon the path that was chosen for you.  Many don’t believe in fate but it is a true force of nature and you are destined for big things.  The paths you take, you do have a choice in, and fate only helps guide you towards your ultimate destiny.   As I get older, I have come to realize this more and more.  Your Mom and I were destined for each other as she is no doubt my soul mate; fate brought us together. 

I don’t know how I got here; it’s crazy to think that one little thing could have changed all of it.

During my last years in the Army, I was trying to decide what path I would take; would I stay in or should I pack my bags and seek “freedom” that only I thought was out there.  Fate had already begun working her plan and I didn’t even know it.  Your mom and I met while I was home on leave after having spent time in the Middle East.  I was not looking for any relationships but I found the last one I would ever have.  I have never questioned what love was after that meeting.  The self-destructive nature that is my ultimate evil, was there lurking just waiting for the opportunity to rear itself in an attempt to circumvent fate.

All the fights and the tears and the heartache, I thought I’d never get through.

When I finally came home for good, I lost sight of what I had and ultimately ran your Mom off because I was too selfish to realize what I had.  Luckily, fate isn’t a fickle creature and brought us back together a short time later.  That short period we were separated was the best thing for us as I was forced to grow up and realize what I had in front of my face.  I have never lost sight of that again.  That was by far, the worst time in my life, one I would never want to experience again, and something I needed to experience to bring me to this.

And the moment I almost gave up, all lead me here to you.

This is only one example of the strife’s I have faced.  Your snares will be different but no less monumental to you.  You will wonder what you are doing, whether it is worth the effort, whether you can sustain, or if you will even make it through.  The answer is yes, you will come out the other side stronger for it.  If I hadn’t had gone through what I thought was the darkest of days, I wouldn’t be coming to the brightest day… the day you are born.

I didn’t understand it way back when, but sitting here right now it all makes perfect sense.

Each day the sun rises brings with it hazards that will test your mettle and your passions.  Don’t back down from the fight, I will always be here to prop you back up if you fall.  I will offer a guiding hand and a shoulder upon which to cry.  I will always stand with you.  You are a piece of me, the best of what I am and none of the worst, and as such you can climb any mountain no matter how high.

When you feel you are going to break, know nothing is a mistake.