Monday, February 16, 2009

Support System

Who do you go to when you need lifting up, a reality check, true support, or even a totally undeserved compliment? For me, it's my family. My parents. My kids. Sisters. Brothers-in-law. They're there through thick and thin, good and bad, crazy and sane, happy or sad. My friends are a lifeline as well. They're my ever ready cheerleaders, although some look better in skirts and pom-poms than others. (You know who you are *wink-wink*.)

However, through it all, my anchor, my best friend, the one true love of my life for nearly 30 years has been my husband. We've been lucky enough to have experienced mainly sunny days, but there have been a few wretched, seemingly inescapable storms that have really tested the bones of our marriage. But when there is a bond that is so deep and so solid and so strong and is the foundation of all that is good in your world, there is no hurricane, typhoon, or tornado that can overcome it.

Who is/are the support system(s) in your life? What can you count on them for?

21 comments:

Chuck Schubert said...

I thought you were a fiction writer? In this case, definitely non-fiction. I love you.

Anonymous said...

Awwww!

My husband is my rock. Sometimes he's a cranky sour rock that makes me want to beat my own head against it, but all in all he's the most solid, loving, attractive rock I've ever known! I'm a lucky woman!

Broke But Still Drinking said...

I like to stare at the pigeons when I get down. I wonder how bad life has to suck when you're a pigeon suffering through Pittsburgh winters. After staring for a while, life doesn't seem too bad.

Ray Veen said...

Mine is also my spouse, but I don't think I could put it as eloquently as you.

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Chuck, I am a fiction writer. Mostly. ;-)

Sharla, Sounds like you've got quite a rock, I mean guy there. Good for you!

Broke, Yeah, it would suck to be a pigeon. Except for the ones in "Mary Poppins." They were kind of cool. Sorry about the Pittsburgh thing. I've never been there, but I've hear it kinda sucks. Especially if you're a pigeon.

Ray, Your wife's a lucky gal, and I have no doubt you say it just as eloquently to her. (But thanks!;-))

WendyCinNYC said...

Yep, my husband, too. And my parents, but mostly my husband.

Vikki said...

My husband, for sure. If I can draw his attention away from european racing and shiny objects! No, seriously, he just wants me to be happy, so if I'm not, everything goes on hold until we can fix it. I also turn to my son a lot...even though he's only three. All I have to do is tell him that "mommy feels sad today" and he says, "Oh, it's okay, mommy, everybody has problems" (I honestly don't know where he picked that up, but it makes me laugh hysterically when he says it, which instantly makes me feel better!)

Amy said...

Husband also. And parents. And sister and brother. Love your site. Found you on Writes in the City. We've lived in some of the same places, and do you mind if I ask when you were at CU? I went to CSU and my husband graduated from CU in '90. He lived in Hallett Hall and Kitt West. Love to run into fellow CUers.

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Wendy, I get the feeling you and your honey have a special bond. That's a true blessing and you, my friend, deserve nothing less.

Vivi, Your three-year old sounds like a genius! And your husband ain't too dumb neither knowing if you're not happy, the earth ain't gonna spin quite right! (I beefed up my proper English for this reply. I hope you appreciate the effort.)

Amy, I'm so glad you found me! Two of my sisters graduated from CSU - probably '85-ish & '88-ish. I only went to CU for one semester and that was back in '79. My husband graduated from CU Denver in '94 and then went to CU Medical School after that. (He started late because of our music. Feel free to check out our Karma Chain websites on my main page.) BTW: I just checked out your site and love it. I'll be following you real soon! I hope you'll do the same.;-)

Amy said...

Hi Debra~

I answered your questions on my blog. Thanks again for stopping by. I plan to add your blog to my "following" list!

Debbie said...

Like you, I can always count on my husband. Each and every time. It is a wonderful thing, isn't it?

Joanne said...

Definitely my husband, in so many ways in over two decades of marriage, and my 2 children, who insist I "own it," in so many ways with my life choices. Yup, they're my people!

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Amy, I'm glad you found me - I look forward to "sharing" time together.

Debbie, You are one lucky gal. And, I'm not just talking about your name.;-)

Joanne, Family is EVERYTHING. That blessing is immeasurable.

L.C. Gant said...

My husband, most definitely. He's my best friend. I lean on my parents as well, especially my mother. They both give incredible advice.

I rely on my younger sisters more to tell me the truth about myself. It often stings when it comes from them, but I'm hardheaded, so it's what I need!

I'm building a network of friends that I can really trust with my writing. It's hard to find people who even want to read my stuff; everyone is so busy these days. I'm open to suggestions on that, but otherwise, I have all the support I need!

Angie Ledbetter said...

Wow, what a testament to the truly important things in marriage. Kudos.

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

L.C., There's nothing better than a great family support system - especially the best friend/hubby part. I have younger sisters, too - three actually. I'll read something of yours if you'd like!

Angie, It's certainly not all a bed of roses, but the good far outweighs the bad!

Anonymous said...

Close friends, family, and, surprisingly, some of my regular readers have become an amazingly strong support system -- one of the beautiful things about the internet -- you get to meet incredible people you might never have crossed paths with otherwise.

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Devon, How true. I've "met" some pretty amazing folks on line, and you all are a great support. Thanks so much!;-)

Smores for Breakfast said...

My hubby, my mom and my dad. All three. I love them all to pieces!

I love your blog! you're right! we def have a lot in common! Thanks for stopping by my blog, i'll def be following yours!

I love finding other liberal chickies!

Amy Sue Nathan said...

I count on different people for different things. I have no one-stop shopping in my life. And for the most part? I count on myself.

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Smores, I look forward to a long, lasting, liberal-chick, blog-filled relationship!

Amy, Good to hear from you, girlfriend! You're absolutely right. The biggest support system has to come from within. I don't know why I didn't think of that (maybe because my life's been a bit, how do you say, unpredictable lately???).

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