Blindside

Man life has been one curve ball after the next this year. Literally non stop since January. Good things and bad. Sickness, new job opportunities, more sickness, having to say goodbye to my childhood dog, gaining a second dog, more sickness. But I'd have to say the best thing of all thus far has been my new job for multiple reasons. First, being the ability to have an adult job that offers insurance and fantastic pay. Second, being in a work environment where you are actually appreciated and get recognition for the things you do. Third, having a manager who cares about you and your career and tries to develop and coach you even when at times the last thing you ever want to do is role play. I believe the best thing though about my job is the people I have met and have grown to be a huge part of my life.  

I remember being in training in Dallas and my trainer telling us to be very careful in the first few weeks at the store in figuring out who you want to be associated with.  So, I tried that out and of course everyone just thought I was awkward and quiet and just did not think I was cut out for it.  After a couple of weeks it was obvious who you could and could not trust.  I have been so incredibly blessed by some of these people in how open they were to adding me into their work family, and some into their personal lives. You can tell that these people actually care about you and that is refreshing.  

I have spent the past couple of years in my own little work/Caleb bubble that I had forgotten what it was like to be able to open up to people about things and trust them.  It is a wonderous thing, to have genuine friends who love you and want nothing but great things to happen in your life, but past experiences have left bitter tastes in my mouth with pretty much all but three friendships. I guess I thought I was past the point of making new besties, but yet another curve ball I missed.  I've only been here six going on seven months and it's like I've known them for years. It just amazes me how close you can feel with a friend after such a short time and how they can just blow your mind with how much they care and are willing to support you even in the most stressful situations. You know who you are and I am blessed to call you my friend. I only hope that I can do the same for you. 

I guess what I'm saying is, it's an amazing thing to be able to see the light in the dark, but it's also amazing when there's someone there to turn on the light for you. Friends are good. Real friends are great. And friend soulmates, though few and far between, are the best.