The summer is in full swing with celebrations, barbeques, walks at the lake and lots of beach and pool time.   All the gatherings and activities with friends and family that summer brings is one of the reasons I love this season so much.  Lately I’ve been finding myself stepping back for a moment when I’m with loved ones and reflecting on just how grateful I am for each and every one of them because it’s these people, my tribe, who have helped me get through the last few years when life threw me some serious curve balls.

I think it’s true that as we get older our circle gets smaller.  We realize how important it is to surround ourselves with only people who support us, nurture us, lift us up and make us happy.  For several years I consciously disconnected from a lot of people because I was struggling. Struggling with my weight being out of control, my daughter’s emotional rollercoaster through middle school and the end of my marriage.  I disconnected because I was embarrassed.  I didn’t have it all together, the life I had hoped for was falling apart, my daughter hated me, I hated myself and I was exhausted at trying to keep up the perception that everything was okay, that I was happy, and none of this was going on.   When the dust settled and I began to regain control of my life, still there was my tribe.  Some knew everything that had been going on the last few years, others I shared the details as I re-emerged from the storm.   Either way I would not be where I am today if it were not for these people.

One person in particular who has been there with me through it all is my mom.  The gratitude I have for her cannot be described in words.  I am beyond blessed to have a mother in my life who is loving, caring and the epitome of selfless.  She gives and gives and gives some more.  Not everyone is as fortunate so I know how very lucky I am.   I can call her any time with any problem and she is there for me.  And let me tell you there have been MANY tearful phone calls, texts and visits, the last few years especially.  She’s a seamstress, dry-cleaner, chef, taxi, counselor, painter, mover, decorator…I could go on and on.  I owe her more than I could possibly ever give her.  Thank you mom.

So many others I owe a debt of gratitude to.  Most nights, very late, my sister and I text and talk about parenting challenges, juggling life’s responsibilities, and more.  She was a shoulder for me to lean on during a time when I desperately needed one and also saw me through many tearful episodes.  I’m so thankful that we have each other as sisters and friends.  My friends, some lifelong, some more recent but equally as important, know me and know just what to do at the right time…whether it’s  listening or giving advice, dinner and adult conversation, a laugh, motivating me at bootcamp or a race, or getting me out for a girls night.  My work family, who is truly like an extended family, all mean so much to me.  A higher power was definitely involved in putting that opportunity in front of me at a time when I couldn’t have used it more.  They have my back not only at work but in my personal life as well and you can’t find that everywhere.  I’m so appreciative for them every day.

Each person has, in their own way, helped me these last few years.  Some may not even have realized it.  Some may think what they did was inconsequential.   For those I shut out for a while, I’m sorry.  It was deliberately done but not to hurt anyone, but as a survival technique.  I realize now that although I chose to struggle in silence and isolation, I didn’t need to do that.  My tribe was there for me before, would have been there for me during and is certainly there for me after any of life’s storms.  I am so grateful for all of you.  I am happier and healthier than I have ever been.  And know that by helping me you’ve also helped Isabelle.  Being my best self means I can be the mother and role model she needs and deserves. So thank you.

~Regina