New Perspectives

I've returned from the 'grand' state of Oklahoma a changed person. Some might think this a drastic statement since I was only there for 5 days, but considering the company I was in and the experiences I had, it -is- a true statement.

My eyes were opened to the amount of suffering my family endures. I'm sure it's not just my family. It just seems that comparatively speaking my family seems to have a lot of 'bad luck'. But what amazes me is everyone's strength and will. No matter what happens to them in their day to day lives they continue on and they find happiness. Even myself. Maybe it's just a part of human nature. Maybe the cliche is true (What doesn't kill you makes you stronger). I don't know what it is exactly. I just know that sitting there and looking around at my family I was impressed. I was proud of our 'clan'. We may not be the richest or the most talented and gifted. We may not be where we pictured ourselves....but we can still laugh. We are fiercely loyal to one another and would do anything for each other.

Looking back on it, we crammed A LOT into just 5 days. My mom, my aunt, and I went to an Animal Sanctuary in Broken Arrow. Finding it was an adventure in itself. When we were driving up to the place I thought it was going to be a rinky dink little house with a few cages in the backyard. However, when we actually walked into the place it was pretty huge! They had so many tigers and there were bears, kangaroos...I got to hold a skunk!! I think that was a big highlight in my vacation. It was de-scented and all. That's the closest I have ever been to one before in my life. They are sort of a cross between a cat and a ferret, VERY cute!!! I could see having one as a pet. Oh, and they had WOLVES!! I was in heaven. I could have stayed there all day, no problem.

Another day we all got tattoos. All 5 of the girls. My sister, me, my mom, and my two aunts. We got dream catchers on our right lower leg. That was adventure....I think we might have broken a law or two. Painful but unforgettable...in the good way.

After that we went to a friend's farm. She has 80 acres and two four-wheelers! I'm sure you can do the math. Our arms were sore for days. Much sun was soaked up and a lot of dirt was swallowed that day.

Needless to say, I will always remember and treasure this vacation. Oh, and you can see more pics on my flickr page here ooorrr the link on the right. http://www.flickr.com/photos/shdwdancr