Trip to Petsmart. Its a long story.

[bfletch13]

Jozi and I went to Petsmart for a few things this afternoon. People
just went crazy over her. No different than anywhere else we go. So
we got what we needed and left. We wenton down the road and got
some lunch. After that I realized there was something I had forgot, so
we went back. There was a whole new batch of people that had to see
her. I thought about charging to pet her.

Anyway as I was walking down the food isle this women says are you
going to make me chase you all over the store. We turned around and
she came up and of course had to pet her. We talked about Jozi, we
talked about her dog. Well we talked dogs for what seemed 30 minutes
then the conversation started turning to a more personal one. We talked
about our families, wife, kids, the normal stuff. And the more we talked
the more I felt like I had known this women all my life. The talk even went
further into goals in life what we really wanted from life. It was great.
To meet someone and connect with them that fast. Just to carry on
a conversation with someone you haven't known for more than a hour,
like they were your best friends since high school.

I have been wanting to change jobs for a long time now. I have a good
job that pays well. But it takes me away from my family all the time. If
it weren't for being gone most of the time I wouldn't mind it. But the
bottom line is I miss my family, and I know they miss me. For many months
I have prayed and prayed on this that God will lead me in the right direction.
I have always wanted to be a counselor for Vets, or do non-profit work for vets.
Helping people is what I love to do. It was the reason
I joined the ARMY, its the reason I became a Police officer. To help people
that might not be able to help themselves, to stand up for people that
can't stand up for themselves.

So last night I was told by a fellow worker that I should have been a Teen
Minister. Today my fortune cookie read "A journey begins with a single step".
Then talking to this women for a hour and a half in a Pet store I feel like God is
giving me direction in my life. The biggest thing I worry with is it being financially
rough on the kids. I don't want them to do without. As I was telling Joan all of this
in Petsmart she told me that my family would be happier giving up going out
to eat a few times a month orgetting a new video game every week, to have
there husband and father home with them. But to do any of this requires going back to college.

I have the college payed for, but how do I pay all the bills while I'm going.
Joan told me to just start. Make as good of a plan as I can and then just
go for it, it will all work out. She kept saying over and over I have faith in
you, you can do it. So tomorrow I will be getting my things in line to enroll
into college. Maybe try to get some classes in online, until summer semester starts.
Then I'm going to take that first step on this journey.

This story may seem kind of odd to some but hopefully some see the
greatness in it. If you have faith and put your life in Gods hands he will
guide you the way he wants you to go. He may even use a 63 year old women at Petsmart to do it.

[mammyglicks]

What an inspiring moment. Congratulations on going back to school. I too recently made that decision and now trying to iron out all the kinks that go along with it. God works in mysterious ways and we shouldn't put up too much of a fight when we are being led in a certain direction.

[KMARINO]

I believe everything happens for a reason, many times I question WHY?? (My son the drug addict) but I truly believe that people are put in our lives for good or bad and it is up to us to choose how we respond, She was the angel that just gave you the boost that you already knew in your gut. There is a difference in making a living and making a life. If you do what makes you happy then all around you will be happy. I love your story and believe it happened because it should have.

[cali~jenn]

Awesome story, follow your dreams! I agree your kids would much rather have nothing and have you there. Money doesnt buy happiness thats for sure.

[LisaRN]

that is a GREAT story!! I found, you have to follow your heart.. but your heart needs a plan so you don't starve! When I once changed jobs AND went back to school I sat down with my family and made sure they were OK with it. I told them the sacrifices that would have to be made. We made the decisions together. Then they understood (even my kids who were very young, not even teenagers yet). I sacrificed, we sacrificed and now are reaping those rewards.. you need to keep in mind - the sacrificing won't last forever. I knew someone who took out a home equity loan to pay bills while going back to school. You can get creative

[Gene_the demon]

Wow thanks for sharing, Its very inspiring.... As young as i am im not going to lie, i have a huge lack of faith and slowly but surely ive been starting to believe i try seeing the good in people. My personal life is pretty much upside down right now and im really trying to seek some guidance. I Just dont want to feel like a hypocrite that only asks for help when he really needs it, im scared when it comes to all that but sometimes i guess you have to go through tough times to see these kinds of things. So again thank you very much for sharing and i wish you the best of luck in your schooling, im sure your family will be more than happy. First of all to have you around more often and second to see that you are actually happy too.

[Lacey28]

I find that story amazing! I do believe that everything happens for a reason even though I quite dont get why things happen! Good luck to you!!

[Angelgirl]

Things most certainly happen for a reason and that woman was put in petsmart for a reason just like you forgot something and had to go back. God has a plan for everyone and it looks like you've found yours! Congrats on the journey about to begin!

[2bulliefamily]

I agree with @KMARINO everything happens for a reason. I also beleive in signs and you have been given some signs. I think too that YOU know what YOU need to do so DO IT. Good luck!

[bullmama]

A wonderful story, thank you for sharing! Funny how things can become so clear after a simple conversation. Like the answer was always there, you just could not see through all the haze!

[bfletch13]

Yeah you just have to have someone point out the obvious.
I have already sent an email to the admission office of
out local university. Hope to hear back from them soon
as to what all I have to do to get started. I have never taken
an SAT or anything like that. I took the ASVAP to get into
the military. So I'm sure it will be something along those lines.
Probably need to get my High School transcripts too. Boy
those will be good.

[Mike Blaylock]

Life is a journey we all must share. Sometimes the burdens are to hard to bear. But it could be such an easy road.......if we let our Creator help us with our load. (author..MJ Blaylock)
I'm not big on any organized religion......but I do believe in a Creator......only God could give us 4 legged angels to help guide us.......and call them E.B.'s.
May you find peace and tranquility throughout your life's journey. I wish you the best of luck.