Just So You Know....

I'm not one of those people that people tend to remember - or admire. People don't know me at reunions even. I'm one of those fans/cheerleaders on the sidelines. Always supporting - but in the background.

I won't ask to take a picture with any of my faves - I don't want to be that intrusive. I know that about me because I've seen some in the past - at church, at restaurants, just out and about. I won't speak up - or introduce myself. I will however cheer you on. I'll wear your colors and display your photos. I'll talk about that game that you played, the song you sang, the latest drama that you starred in. I'll even keep you in my prayers.

Honestly, that's what I do for most of you. I scroll through my feed sometime during the day - checking to see who specifically is asking for prayers, liking your photos/events, listening to the music that you post (comparing our tastes), sometimes I'll support your teams (if there is no conflict with mine), but I'm here - forever playing in the background (like an unknown or forgotten app).

I'm not the person whose parties are attended, or the fun one that you invite to yours. However, I'm the person who will bake, cook, help decorate, run errands - whatever you need, I will be there. Just don't ask me to greet all of those people.

I'm not the teacher that every student remembers with awe and respect. I just tried to impart the basics and share the joy of studying my sciences or my literature with you. I'm the after thought - oh, yeah, she was okay - or I couldn't stand being in her class. She loved dissection, experiments, Dickens, and made us take notes. Lots of notes.

Got a job that no one else wants to do? Ask Kat - she'll do it! (Stupid is stamped across my forehead). I did all that one school corporation asked of me - even helped start up an alternative middle school and went back to get my teaching license - and when it came time to offer that job to me? I didn't get it. I'm not the PC choice, you see.

I did all that one parish asked of me - and then, when I asked to be replaced? The name that the priest came up with was mine. However, did anyone really know me there? No, I was in the background while everyone else stood front and center.

I wanted to be a doctor - a translator - someone who made a difference in this world. The best that I ever did was to raise three beautiful, strong, young women. (and then, even my husband left).

And that's who I am. I live vicariously through others - and I really do feel joy in all of your accomplishments. I'm not just saying that. So, I'll continue to be that fan (or cheerleader) - I won't get in your way - and I'll expect you to do great things. I'm praying for you.