My Life?

A very dear person said to me today that I've had a hard life.  It struck me funny because I never thought of my life as hard.  It was just my life and the only one I knew.  I guess when fate deals us our "hand of cards" we either make do and play it through or fold.  I'm not a poker player but I can play a mean game of 500 rummy.  So whatever I've been dealt in my life I've learned to live through it. I really didn't think I had a different choice.  It's ok though because I wouldn't be the gal that I am without all the trials and tribulations as well as the great times.  I've learned that "stuff" isn't important.  I have certain belongings that I wouldn't want to be without, like the table my computer sits on was my Aunt Annies.  A grandfather clock down in the family room hallway was her grandfather's It doesn't work but it reminds me everyday that it belonged to my great great grand pappy (yes he was called Pappy).  William or Civil War Willy as I refer to him (hope he approves up there) was one of the first men in our county to enter the Civil War. He helped lay a corner stone for the Pennsylvania monument in Gettysburg.  Aunt Annie went to work in the mills when she was ten years old. My grandfather carried a sack of tools on his back and walked his way around the county as a plumber.  My dad would be beaten by his father for the littlest of things.    During WWII he was a draftsman for Brown Instrument. Because he didn't wear a uniform people treated him poorly. They didn't know that he was working for the war effort designing submarines. All these people, all the experiences they have had, has made me who I am.  All the battles I have fought in my life makes me stronger and I guess in the end that's just my life.

PS: Sometimes in your life you are given that second chance to have long ago questions answered.  Not the "what ifs" but the "did they know" questions.  It still leaves the "if only I had known" but that can't be addressed.  Today I had that second chance to view life through the "V" in the tree.  Thank you!