How Strong is a Rescuer's Heart?

(This was originally published on January 16, 2015 on the website for my former rescue.  I am republishing this here since that site is no longer operational.  Sadly, God has led me away from full-time rescue for now, but I have faith that I will return to it again in the future, in some capacity.  The words below remain as true as the day I wrote them.  There is nothing that makes my soul smile like snuggles with a tiny kitten. - 3/30/17)

Like many rescuers, I believe I was born to rescue. I remember countless stops with my mom to save wayward turtles in the road from their "untimely death." I was always on the hunt for animals to save, and even talked my mom into keeping a few. My rescuer's heart grew as I grew and, as an adult, I found myself trying to rescue people, too. Friends, significant others, acquaintances, or even complete strangers in need....I thought I had to save them all. However, I quickly realized that animals were much easier to save than people, and sometimes more grateful in the end. As my mind reflected on how I got involved in rescue, I pondered....just how strong IS a rescuer's heart?

A Letter to Myself as a Pregnant Teen

Dear Teenage Me,

You have a feeling deep in your soul, but you try your best to dismiss it.  It can't be what you think it is...you can't be.  Your 14th birthday is a few more weeks away!  You have your whole life ahead of you.  You are just a kid yourself!  It will be ok cause he pulled out...right?  You only had sex a handful of times...this can't really be happening, can it?  Has it been four or five weeks since your last period?  You can't remember for sure.  

Your first confession will be to your best friend, who doesn't know what to say.  She is more focused on meeting up with her boyfriend in the hallway between classes.  You see, her parents are home to supervise her, so she only sees her boyfriend at school.  You, on the other hand, live with your grandma and betrayed her trust by having your boyfriend over while she was at work.  You didn't see what the big deal was anyways.  

Allow Me to Introduce Myself

Hello, Interweb!  It has been several years since my last blog and I am excited to be starting a new one.  While many online writers find their groove in niche blogging, I just want to share my thoughts...and ramble...and sometimes bitch.  So, if you are organized, meticulous, or a perfectionist, you may be in for a bit of whiplash.  If you are sensitive, easily offended, or lack a sense of humor, you will also probably not want to subscribe.

To my established friends and family who may be reading this, hello and I love you!  Thank you for being a part of my story and being a blessing to my life, whether it was when you came in to it or when you left it.  To those who have not made my acquaintance yet, allow me to introduce myself...

I am the almost 40-year-old mother of five kids with only 2.5 of those kids still at home.  My oldest has blessed us with our first and only granddaughter. I have been married to my husband for almost 7 years, and this is my third marriage and his first.  It took me three tries to get it right, but he rocked it the first time, obviously.  (There's also a lot to be said for waiting until you are old enough to put someone else before yourself.)

I have a wide variety of interests, ranging as far apart as crocheting and riding my motorcycle every given chance.  I am also loud and proud about my faith and love for the Lord, while continuing to embrace and love my non-religious and Pagan friends.  I believe that if you love everyone for who they are and let God sort out the rest, every one is better off for it.

However, I didn't alway have such a steadfast trust in God's plan for my life.  I did it my way, or other's ways, the wrong ways...for far too long and I was living in a sufferable hell on a daily basis as a result of my choices and actions.   This blog will help share and purge some of that.  Not all of my stories will be happy and not all will be tragic.  I might write about some seriously disturbing topics at times, with an appropriate disclaimer when warranted.  If my words are not for you, please have enough respect to move on.  If my words or my stories touch you to your soul and bring a renewed perspective that opens your eyes, awesome!

Until we meet again, I love you and thank you for sharing in this journey.

Mrs. Mayhem