I Am Grateful

One Time..

By: DrewBerry

Written on March 26th, 2008

when I was about 19 years old, a boyfriend broke up with me. I was devastated and wallowing in self pitty when my best friend basically told me to suck it up and think about the good things in my life. She said there's always going to be other people who have it a lot better and a lot worse than you do. Ever since then I decided to be thankful for my blessings vs. focusing on all the things I wish I had.

Since that time, life has thrown me many curve balls. All of my grandparents and both parents have died. I have a very challenging special needs child and always seem to be in the midst of some crisis. But whenever I get down, i always remember those words my friend said a long time ago.

Charlene was her name and she died at age 33 from diabetes.. She lived life to the fullest; I think she knew she was going to die young. That small piece of advice changed my life and gave me a whole new outlook.. The glass has been half full for me ever since.

By: DrewBerry

Age: 46-50 , Female

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22 responses

Muchpersonality

What a "gem" of a friend, and, a "jewel" of advice. I will remember this also.

Mar 28, 2011
2 likes
SaratogaGirl

Profound and beautiful!

Jan 26, 2011
2 likes
DrewBerry

Love you too CC! You are such a faithful friend.

Thanks So Much!

Jan 26, 2011
1 like
CatchCabby

Wow! I've missed you my friend, it's been a while!

She sounds amazing! What wisdom in such a young body!

She embodies what I believe, and strive for;

That my life experiences have meaning, value and beauty,

the bad more so than the good. If my experiences become a vehicle

of healing, learning, teaching, wisdom, strength and go to making life

better for someone else, I have LIVED, and done so abundantly!

Blessed, to be a blessing. Awesome!

Love you my friend X@

Jan 23, 2011
1 like
mother1983

Sorry about your friend but She did give you a great advice. Of course I'm sorry about your parents and grandparents too.

Jan 23, 2011
1 like
DrewBerry

Thanks BloggerKhushi... Still trying. LOL

Jan 23, 2011
1 like
bloggerkhushi

very inspiring indeed! I loved your friends' spirit , as well yours to take her words at right time and followed it life long! That sound more inspiring. :)

www.bloggerkhushi.com

Jan 20, 2011
1 like
DrewBerry

Aww - thanks Waterlilly. That's so nice!

:)

Aug 20, 2010
1 like
waterlily

I think that you lived a great life....I admire you that in the middle of so much pain you had the strength to keep seeing the little good things in your life....My respects for you...Keep being just as you are...>:D<

Aug 20, 2010
1 like
DrewBerry

Betty - I am so happy you are here today - xxx

Rogiano - you said a word I've been trying to live and embrace for several years now - HUMBLING.

For me, being humble is the only way I am finding peace in the day to day; by stripping away all the pride and basking in the glory of my own existance. JUST AS I AM (as my favorite hymn says).

Love you guys.

Apr 17, 2009
1 like
zzltfrg

Moving and inspiring. I have often been amazed by the fortitude of some people, on whom life seems to pile one adversity after another. It can be a very humbling experience.

Apr 17, 2009
1 like
DrewBerry

I miss my friend. She was a beautiful spirited person.

Thanks PT!

Apr 16, 2009
1 like
partytested

awesome story. very inspiring........

Apr 16, 2009
1 like
DrewBerry

no, not off the hook.. not trying to minimize yours at all.. it's a dreaded disease, but manageable and evidently comes in degrees like many things.

~ I am glad you are relatively healthy marcus -- we kind of like having you around ~

May 4, 2008
1 like
marcus101

yeah..sounds bad...I consider myself very lucky..

because I was diagnosed when I was pretty much fully grown, my levels are pretty stable and are easy to control.

but that doesn't mean am I off the hook...still need to be careful...

your friend sounds amazing.

May 4, 2008
1 like
DrewBerry

well she had it bad (the diabetes).. seriously sick

toes amputated.. almost blind.. heart problems.. kidney transplant.. the works..

you are relatively lucky with the extent of your disease...

like she said... someone always has it better and worse than you all at the same time

~ cup half full ~

May 4, 2008
1 like
marcus101

Funny how those decisions seem to influence us, in terms of saying how long we plan to live or when we intend on dying.

...I for one plan to live until at least my 70s or 80s, god willing...

the rest we'll just have to see...we do what we do... :)

May 4, 2008
1 like
DrewBerry

She was great for real Marcus... I give her all credit for my free loving spirit.. She packed more life in that 33 years than I ever hope to..

I remember her saying (in the 8th grade mind you) that she was going to die in her early thirties.

May 4, 2008
1 like
marcus101

I'm so sorry to hear of your losses. If you don't have any family members who you can lean on, then I hope you will have or soon find friends who will love you almost as much - we are all part of a bigger world of brothers and sisters, and I find EP is a great melting pot for many...

Your friend really seems to have affected you - as long as you remember her, (and I'm sure you always will) there will always be a piece of her inside you to keep her perspective and her outlook alive..

blessings to you, drew, :)

May 4, 2008
2 likes
LilBuddy

Both parents and all grandparents and your really great friend.....whew...I should count my blessings more indeed....thank you for sharing.

Mar 31, 2008
1 like
DrewBerry

Thanks Secretsaver. SHE was lovely. I really miss my friend full of life.

Mar 28, 2008
1 like
DrewBerry

Indeed Cowboy.. I really need to remember and heed this sentiment right now.. at this particular moment.. it's pretty rough.

Mar 27, 2008
1 like

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