IJMC - Smile

You know, my mom is a pretty incredible woman. She puts up with me. And 
loves me nonetheless. Another one of those karma things, she sent me this 
email a couple of months ago and I never got around to reading it. Well, 
last week was not my finest hour, yet, my mom was there for me...I read 
the email and found something that helped. I am smiling again, and 
without knowing she caused it, I have to blame my mom for that. Thanks 
mom, for being there without knowing it, and for being there when you do 
know about it. I love you.                              (your son,) -dave



                               ***
   Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they
were meant to be there...to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson
or help figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know
who these people may be but when you lock eyes with them, you know that
very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.  And
sometimes things happen to you at the time that may seem horrible, painful
and unfair, but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those
obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, will
power or heart. 
                                **
   Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means
of good luck.  Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness and
sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these
small tests, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to
nowhere.  Safe and comfortable but dull and utterly pointless. 
                                **
   The people you meet affect your life.  The successes and downfalls that
you experience can create who you are, and the bad experiences can be
learned from.  In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important
ones. 
                                **
   If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them
because they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being
cautious to whom you open your heart to.  If someone loves you, love them
back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because they are
teaching you to love and open your heart and eyes to little things. 
                                **
   Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from it
everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience
it again. Talk to people you have never talked to before, and actually
listen. 
                                **
   Let yourself fall in love, break free and set your sights high. Hold
your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a
great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in
yourself, no one else will believe in you.  Create your own life and then
go out and live it.
                                **
   Share this with anyone who you believe has made a difference in your
life!