Ten. Years.

Grew up in a small town - And when the rain would fall down - I'd just stare out my window - Dreaming of what could be - And if I'd end up happy - I would pray

Trying hard to reach out - But when I tried to speak out - Felt like no one could hear me - Wanted to belong here - But something felt so wrong here - So I prayed I could break away

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly - I'll do what it takes til' I touch the sky - I'll make a wish - Take a chance - Make a change - And breakaway - Out of the darkness and into the sun - But I won't forget all the ones that I love - I'll take a risk - Take a chance - Make a change - And breakaway

(Kelly Clarkson, Breakaway)

10 years ago, this month, I graduated from Prairiland High School. (And yes, I spelled that right- according to our school, anyways.) At times I can't really wrap my mind around that particular thought...Then at other times, it feels as though it could have been 20 years ago. 

As I watched the season finale of Glee, I will admit. I cried. A particular conversation between 2 characters had me hit pause and think for a bit. One of the girls, Quinn, was saying how someone had written in her yearbook "Don't ever change!"

That same phrase was written in my yearbook as well. Several times. 

I'm glad I didn't listen to their advice. 

Because I allowed myself to change, I am the woman I am today. 

When I walked across the stage at my high school graduation, I'm proud to say I did it with honors, barely. :-) I was 7th in my class of 70. Making me a part of the top 10%. Barely. And top 10% in Texas gets automatic acceptance into the state college of their choice. 

When I left high school, I was a naive, awkward, dressing wayyyy-too-old-for-her-age- girl who needed some life experience only to be offered in places other than East Texas. And I'm not kidding about dressing too old. Some of the girls that ended up being my best friends throughout my college experience even told me how during Freshman orientation, they remembered seeing me but thought I was someone's mom. I'm not kidding. Praise the Lord, my sense of style and fashion has changed.

When I left high school, I thought I would go to college, get my nursing degree, meet the man of my dreams, and start having babies. 

None of those things have happened. My dreams have changed (and are STILL changing).

When I left high school I had rose colored glasses on. I thought as long as you were obedient and made Jesus happy - life would be smooth sailing.

Those glasses are gone. My view of life has changed. 

When I left high school, I knew who Jesus was and loved Him. 

I know Him more today and love Him more today than I ever thought possible in High School.

My heart has changed. 

I have changed. 

And I'm glad. 

I'm glad I grew up in East Texas. I'm glad I have roots there. I wouldn't change that. 

I'm glad I attended the college I did. Even if I didn't get the degree I'd planned on. The people I met there during that time were worth every second.

I'm glad I stayed in Dallas after graduating. I know it was right. 

I'm glad I moved to Florida 7 months ago. I know it was right. 

The last 10 years of my life have been full. They have been FULL. I have lived life to the best of my ability. I have changed.....for the better. 

I've heard it said - That people come into our lives for a reason - Bringing something we must learn - And we are led - To those who help us most to grow - If we let them - And we help them in return - Well, I don't know if I believe that's true - But I know I'm who I am today - 

Because I knew you

Like a comet pulled from orbit - As it passes a sun - Like a stream that meets a boulder - Halfway through the wood - Who can say if I've been changed for the better? - But because I knew you - I have been changed for good