Karma. I LOVE that beautiful #$*@&. (aka Good friends never ever go away...)

Karma seems to be a good friend of mine. 

And I can’t thank it enough.

I was worrying last week (as I do every month) about how I was going to make my car payment when I received a notice from PayPal. Someone had sent me ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS!

I know.  I KNOW!!!

HOLY CRAP!

I know that to any one of the Housewives of Heavenly Hills this is like finding a penny on the sidewalk, but to this working SINGLE (almost-divorced) mother of THREE who has been sued by her (unemployed) ex for spousal AND child support and who pays it every month without FAIL, it was a Godsend.  It was like receiving a thousand dollars.  I cried silent tears when I looked over and over again at the notice from Paypal.  I thanked my angels again for watching over me.

Two days later, I received this email.

Dear Vodka,

 I realized that you probably don't know me by my married name.  I am your old candy striper pal Suzie Smith.  I stumbled upon your blog via Pinterest.  I read four or five of your blogs and was laughing and crying having absolutely no idea who the author was.  In fact, I felt that your writing reminded me of a cross between my two favorite authors.  Anna Quinlden and Wally Lamb.  I don't know if you are familiar with them, but if not you should try reading One True Thing, A Short Guide to A Happy Life, Lot's of Candles, Plenty of Cake, by AQ  and The Hour I First Believed, and I Know This Much Is True by WL. Your use of such simple prose to convey complicated emotions is a gift you share with them.

 While reading your blog, I some how ended up on the article and picture about K.  I looked at the picture and felt that this person looked so familiar, but still did not have a clue.  Then I went to your home page and saw the picture of you dismounting the balance beam and I recognized it from our good old yearbook.  OH MY GOD VODKAMOM IS D. M.!!!!!  I live outside of DC and never see anyone from home.  Memories came flooding back along with many, many laughs.

Vodka, I am not sure where to start but I wanted to let you know that I well remember your parents.  Your Dad and his intelligent and genteel manner and your pretty, funny, gracious Mom. Your mother's kitchen from way back then could stand up to ANY kitchen I have seen on HOUZZ.  From your writing I can tell that you are a combination of both of your folks.

I am sorry for  the heartache you have faced.  As we get older it becomes apparent that none of us escape it completely and the real challenge of life is to be happy and a source of strength to others.  I can see you are very adept at both.

Please pass on a hello to that beautiful (INSIDE and OUT) sister of yours.  When I picture her, I always see her as kind and smiling. And yes, she was the GOOD one.  You were a little more mischievous were you not? (HAHA) I REMEMBER CANDY STRIPER adventures and eating Richard K's lunch and of course shutting your nose in a book.  Don't know about you, but I remember going home most days from JR High with my sides hurting from laughing so much.

From reading your blog, I know that you struggle with your son's decision to stay with his Dad. I offer you this: Reread the story from the bible 1 Kings , chapter 3 , versus 16-29.  That's what you did D:and I do believe everyone will be better for your unselfishness.  By the way, I am not sure if a colon, semi-colon or neither is appropriate, but I like to use them anytime I can.

 I know it is hard to share your personal heartaches. I am not sure if you have ever read any of Patsy Clairmont. She states in her book

God Uses Cracked Pots that we are all pots and our troubles, faults, heartaches are cracks.  When we allow the light into our pots, the light shines for others to see not via the unblemished part of the pot but rather via the cracks.  By your sharing of your "cracks" God is using you to help others.

 Vodka,  I don't want to give you the impression that I am a bible thumper or zealot (hope I am not insulting anyone), I am a rather lapsed Methodist, but I do have a strong if not often neglected faith and reading your blog has helped me to realize that I need to not neglect it anymore.  So aside from many laughs, fond memories and tears your writing has done that for me.

 I live outside D.C. in southern Maryland.  I am married and have two sons.  My oldest is in his first year of law school and my youngest graduated THANKFULLY in December with a degree in Geology, and is currently job hunting . He is the one who got caught doing everything and more that I never got caught doing!!!! But that is another very long story.   If you ever find yourself in this area I would love to have you over, I don't know how to make a Martini, but Margaritas, Bloody Mary’s  and wine are all available on a daily basis  and I do like to set sail with the Captain. (Captain Morgan and Coke).  Also if you ever want to get away to our nation's capital give me a call.

Love,

Suzie

I want to say to my friend, Suzie, that you are an angel.  You were a kind and wonderful friend then, and still have an amazing soul.  Your letter and thoughts have lifted me MORE than you know. 

I thank you for lifting me up- and for reminding me that angels surround us every single day.  And some of them were candy stripers.

(I love you, friend.   And I thank you.)