Frail grasp at civility...

"If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." Your mom ever say that to you? Mine didn't. No, really.

My ma's advice was more like: "If you're going to kill your brother, don't get blood on the carpet."

Still, it's true--you should be nice [and keep blood off carpet, too]. Which is why I haven't posted anything in awhile. It's been hard for me to come up with something nice to say about what's on my mind at the moment. I think I'm finally there. Here goes nothing...

The ex-girlfriend is getting married Saturday. I once said [in this blog] that I'd say more by saying nothing. So I lied. Well, not really--different context. But still.

For the record: Yes, I know I'm better off. No, I don't miss her--at all. Yes, I'm over her. Have been for a long time now. Still...when exes [especially more than one] get married, there's a certain feeling you get. Not a fun one. But I'm here to attempt a positive spin on it. Key word: attempt.

Positive-ish thoughts in 3...2...1...

I am happy. Happy it's not me. Whew, bullet dodged. Hindsight and all that jazz...

I am grateful. Grateful for the good times. Hard to admit, but they did happen. See?


I am thankful. Thankful for unanswered prayers.

I am gracious. Gracious for the lesson learned through heartache.

I am relieved. Relieved, oddly enough, that the day has come and now I can laugh about it.

I am blessed. Blessed with good friends, strong faith, and a heart capable of feeling the hurt--but also the ability to love in the first place.

Lastly,
Congratulations, Stephanie.
[pause for effect]
...and Glenn.

Be good to each other and God bless.

That was hard to do,
Derrick