NVR2L8

I think it was a sign. As I have been reflecting on my life, my habits, my future, my family and my friends I have wondered...is it too late? Is it too late to put friends and family first? Is it too late to spend tons of awesome and fun quality time with my daughter? Is it too late to question my career choices? Is it too late to make a different plan?

I was on the Mass Pike. In my line of work I get to meet with and work with some amazing people- I get to watch them grow and develop as students and people. I get to meet their parents and their siblings, their grandparents and their families- at games I meet all their "biggest fans"! But today, I wanted to take some time to help one of my former students say goodbye to her mom. The mom who carted her to hockey practices and games throughout her young life. Who sacrificed so she could go to prep school- who supported her in good times and bad during her UConn career and throughout her life. As I was driving I was thinking it was so unfair- so unfair that this mom, whose life was devoted to raising her girls and supporting them- was gone too soon. I thought about how lucky I am. Though maybe I will unbecome the everyday "I need you by my side mom"- I still get to be Ellie's mom. This mom- I am sure she will always be there in spirit guiding her girls- won't have the same chances and opportunities I do. It makes me feel sad.  But today in my sadness I learned a valuable lesson. As I was driving towards Boston on the Mass Pike a New Hampshire car passed me- the license plate read:

N V R 2 L 8

I realized it is never too late. It is never too late to change the priorities in my life. It is never too late to be more frugal so I can start saving for my goals and dreams. It is never too late to do things I never thought I could or would. My husband and I have goals, and it is ok that they are changing as we grow. We always played it safe- and financially we will continue to play it safe and be responsible- but maybe, just maybe, it is time to get out of the comfort zone. We want a beach house. no...we don't. We want to LIVE AT THE BEACH. What beach? not sure yet. But we have time to figure that out. It is never too late to tell those you love that you love them. and SHOW THEM. I am not going to miss out on Ellie's senior year- I am going to support her and show her how much I love and care for her. It is never too late because we don't know how long we have- and one day it will be too late- and you might never see it coming. 

Over the past few weeks I think I realized I do not need a show. I did watch Orange is the New Black but really didn't get into it- I am somewhat curious about how each of the women landed behind bars- but not curious enough. I talk too much to want to watch a show. I do however want to read- first up-

THE HAPPINESS PROJECT. I think it is about someone else who is realizing it is NVR2L8.

I spent the afternoon having lunch at the Farmer's Market with my framily Alana and Papa (butlerish.blogspot.com/) and the Darcy clan (http://stayathomefieldadvantage.wordpress.com/). I danced- aka had a work out- to the brass band with the bestest little 3 year old. And I am going to do it again at every chance I get. Tomorrow I get to cheer on the U18 Oakwood girls in their quest for an NPL championship- I may be 1000 miles away but I will be cheering none the less. This past week I was so happy to have had dinner with the best mom and the best husband in the world. It is not too late to make things like these my new priority.

I learned a lesson today- NVR2L8.

At the wake today I apologized to the family- I didn't know she was sick. (She had been sick about 2 1/2 years ago but "I had no idea it had gotten so bad I said" as I tearfully hugged the family) Apparently they had no idea either- her death came swiftly and she had been well up until about 2 weeks ago. Even though I wasn't super close to this mom- I want to thank her for teaching me such a valuable lesson today. I am sure that license plate was a sign from her.  RIP Colleen Horan- your family was your life and it was always clear. You did an awesome job raising two wonderful young women- your legacy and love will live on through them, and through me.