{shelley #lovemypeople}

"I've heard it said

That people come into our lives for a reason

Bringing something we must learn

And we are led

To those who help us most to grow

If we let them

And we help them in return.

Well I don't know if I believe that true

But I know I'm who I am today

Because I knew you..."

I have known that God uses people or brings people into our lives but it has been through building my relationship with Shelley that has really allowed me to not only understand this concept but to experience it. I truly believe that Shelley came into my life for a reason.

Shelley has become so much more to me in the past 3 years than a pharmacist, coworker or mentor; she has become a mother to me. And though at times I know I overwhelm her with deeming her as such, I cannot imagine calling her anything else. I've learned that a mother is not always defined as someone who birthed you but someone who teaches you about life, who provides for you, who loves and cares for you, accepts you and encourages you, and someone who helps you to grow into the person you were created to become. 

Looking back I would have never thought 3 years ago that this woman would have such an influence on my life, or play such a vital role in my story. But today, I cannot imagine my life without her. It has been through sharing life with Shelley over the years that I have been taught how to be thankful for what I have been given- I am thankful for health and for family, blood related or not, and for a "home". I have also learned to be thankful for the power of pray, in the good times and bad, through answered prayers and unanswered. 

I would not trade the last couple of years that I have been able to live life with Shelley for anything in the world. I am extremely blessed to have such support and love. She is the person I turn to, confide in and look up to. And though she would roll her eyes at the thought of her being such a person, she is an amazing woman who cares deeply, loves softly and has the ability to impact peoples lives far beyond the surface. She has been there for me through thick and thin, through tears of joy and sadness, through celebrations and sorrows, praising, blessing and supporting me through it all. I could not ask for a better rock to lean on or cheerleader on the sidelines. 

There have been countless hours that I have prayed for this amazing woman; prayers that I could somehow give her back what she has given me over the years. That I could ease her burden, take away her pain, and show her unconditional love and support. She has had such a significant part of shaping who I have become and she will always have a place in my heart, woven into who I am, as my mom.

I cannot wait to share the next seasons of life with Shelley wherever those may be, or whatever they may hold. I hope that someday when I become a mother I am able to share with my children what Shelley has given me by providing a simple example of what love looks like and what it is capable of doing. 

Here is to my "mom", who will forever be a mom to me, apart of who I am. Thank you, for absolutely everything you have done for me. I love you!

"Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good"

#lovemypeople