More than my share

I've been sitting here staring at the computer because I have something to say, and I wanted to try and be all eloquent and stuff.  But the eloquence is eluding me, so I'll just out with it.  I am so thankful to everyone who has been my friend and for all of you who have taken such good care of me lately.  I've never had a very good circle of solid friends before; I don't trust people and usually assume everyone really hates me.  But since we have lived here, and since I have reached real adulthood, my friendships have grown into something completely foreign to me:  REAL.  This includes church acquaintances all the way to my relationship with my sister Ashley.  It's so odd for me to be surrounded by people who seem to actually - GULP - like me.  I don't usually do well with accepting help from people, and when I had three simultaneous miscarriages three years ago, I would actually be angry when anyone found out about it or tried to offer any kind of condolence or service.  But I am now truly humbled by all the care I've been shown and service I have been given.  I have a hard time reaching out to others - either to offer or receive service - and I am so very grateful to everyone for all they do.  From my "Welcome, Baby" dinner a few weeks ago, to daily talks with Ashley and her loyalty to me, to Marianne kidnapping and treating me to a pedicure, to Missy making my blog awesome, to Sarah giving me a much-needed massage, to Betsy calling and offering to take the kids, to Erica escorting me to Austin, and Mary Ann's oft-impromptu babysitting, etc. etc. etc.  (And anyone who has listened to my incessant whining the past eight months.)  There are so many more examples I could include if I had a full-working brain right now.  But rest-assured you aren't forgotten and I love you all so much.  I wish I knew what I could do to offer more to all of you and make me more worth your time!