They are good people.

I used to believe that I didn't need anyone in my life and that I could do everything on my own.  As a matter of fact I used to tout Simon and Garfunkel's song, "I Am A Rock" as my anthem.  Later in my life after watching "Quest For Camelot" I added "I Stand Alone" to my repertoire of anthems declaring my independence from everyone.  I tried to convince myself that this was the best way to go through life because then you don't ever have to worry about being hurt by anyone else.  Of course, this was all a lie.  Thankfully, I'm not that good at being away from everyone else and have learned over the years the importance of not trying to lie to myself.  

I have had several experiences over the last decade which have illustrated to me the importance of having good people in your life as well as being a good person in the lives of others.  I have moved to 3 different states within the last 10 years and each place I have been fortunate enough to meet up with people who have inspired, uplifted and supported me through change
s that were both expected and unexpected.   I think of the many different "moms" I have in different states.  These women took a poor, single, at times awkward and weird boy into their lives and homes and treated me as though I was one of their own.  They showed love, compassion, patience, and ways to laugh at life, even when it's hard.  I look back on these times and am so grateful for their influence and support that helped me through some interesting experiences. 

Another experience I have with good people is with the Patriot Guard Riders.  This is a group of people who enjoy riding motorcycles, support our military and first-responders, and come from all backgrounds of life.  Their kindness and charity is second to none in the world.  When I became engaged to my lovely wife we didn't have a lot and were wondering about wedding pictures.  I reached out to some of these "hard core biker dudes" and before I knew it I had offers to help pay for a photographer as well as an offer from one lady to take our pictures for free.  Both my wife and I were deeply touched by their offers of support and friendship. 

So how is it that I can have such good people in my life?  I have found that it all starts with me.  I have worked over the years to become the type of person I can be happy with.  I am kind, caring, humorous, charitable, intelligent and what I would consider a dear friend.  As I have developed these traits in an effort to be the type of man I want to be I have found I attract those people who are similar or at least trying to be.   I have worked to develop a level of confidence that I believe emanates from my core and influences those around me.

I am no longer a rock or an island.  I no longer stand alone.  Instead I confidently stand with the wonderful people around me and rely on their love and support as I love and support them.  Afterall, an island needs the sea and a rock needs the ground.