What a different life it would be to live on a farm. I listen to these families day after day about the struggles, challenges, joys and dangers of being active farmers. It is an incredible way of life; to sustain your family off of your own land, to grow enough to feed your family and your animals. To live work and play with your children and spouse everyday. To give thanks for the earth and all it brings to you.

I just spent the morning talking to a new mom. She delivered her fourth healthy baby last night and is in complete awe and wonder of her little boy. She spoke with me about her family waiting at home anxiously for the arrival of this bundle of joy. Her first born is quite a bit older than this child and when I asked her about that child she began recounting of the tale of her previous life as a farmers wife. Her husband was killed in a farm accident when she was recently pregnant. She struggled with grief and denial and absolute depression through the whole pregnancy with the strength of her family and his family as well. After the baby was born she was able to look at the world through a different set of eyes and accept the past events enough to begin the journey forward. It was a struggle but she has a deep faith that these tragedies happen for a reason and she was meant to have this little girl. She accepts her life as it is and exudes a peaceful feeling in everything she does. Even the clinic visits were a wonderful experience for me because she was so great to work with, always willing to share herself and her experiences.

I just read an email that pertains to this blog entry, on "choices", and choosing to see the glass half full. It is incredible feeling to live consciously choosing to take responsibility for your life and all the actions you take, the reactions you give. I am sure everyone has had the opportunity to be in the presence of someone who openly chooses to view the world through rose-colored glasses, and see the silver lining to every cloud. It is like taking a breath of fresh air to walk in the stride of someone who lives this way. It is a pleasure to be with them and I am constantly inspired by those loved ones in my life who live with intention. They live authentically allowing themselves to accept each moment for what it is.

I feel blessed to walk this journey so consciously and openly with the one I love. I hope I continue to meet people who challenge the way I vlew this world. I will embrace them in this dance we call life.