Pride - it's a sticky word... I'm not really comfortable with it. It often accompanies things like arrogance, bragging and the such.  But there is no denying the feeling of being pleased over certain accomplishments, moments, and people in life.

I've tried to think of moments in my life I have felt proud or pleased over something. It wasn't easy.

Me -  I remember feeling really good about myself when I bought (financed) my first NEW car,  when I converted to another faith in my late teen years, and having a good career despite only having a High School education. Later in life, looking back - although it has NOT been pretty, and often ugly, I am proud of the fact that I have raised my two sons as a single mother for the past 18 years with NO help in any form from my ex.  Not that I didn't want or need it.  I just chose to move on, instead of wasting my life being dissapointed over and over.  Lately, I think that I am most happy iwth the spiritual choices I have made. I used to have each foot firmly planted on both sides of the fence - trying to enjoy the best of both worlds.  It is such as struggle each and every day to made good choices..  At the ripe age of 30 I finally committed to living one life or the other.  I've never been sorry.

Children - this is tricky too. If I am proud my my childrens' accomplishments is it because I think they are making the choice *I* want, or because I think *I* have influenced them in some way?  Again life is full of hard choices and situations and I think it is normal to be pleased anytime your child overcomes, achieves, tries, or serves.  That said, my children have both been blessed with attributes that have made me proud.

Cody has natural leadership abilities, is soulful, and exceled at almost everything he involved himself in throughout school.

Evan is compassionate and at an early age reached out to those that struggle. He is also fiercely loyal when push comes to shove, and has been a good friend to many that did not deserve such a friend.

My Parents- I've always been proud of my father.  He left the quiet farm life of North Dakota to join the military briefly and then moved to San Diego and joined the Sherriff's Department, and retired as a Captian. He raised me and my sister after my mom's passing when I was five with the help of my dear Grandmother.  He endured two boy-crazy teenager girls, met a wonderful woman to marry, and has lived a quiet example of being a caring and generous son and brother to many in his family. Now, late in life - he battles the terrible disease of Alzhiemers.  Which leads me to my step-mom.  She has been the protector of my father's dignity, and caregiver for his mind and body. Few can do what she does each and every day. She is a fantastically loving grandmother to my boys and is a strong, independent woman.

One thing for sure I have never had trouble feeling proud about and that is being an American.  I've always been extremely patriotic.  I get choked up singing the American Anthem at sporting events,  when I hear inspirational speeches, and am proud of our military.  I loved the outward display of  patriotism after 9/11 by so many. It's too bad that it took a tragedy, and that it has diminished...

I love the song "Something to be proud of " by Montgomery Gentry.  Basically - it sums up the way I feel about life:  If you are doing the best that you can -then you have nothing to be ashamed of. And my belief that  "Attitude" is everything!

That's something to be proud of
That's a life you can hang your hat on
You don't need to make a million
Just be thankful to be workin'
If you're doing what you're able
And putting food there on the table
And providing for the family that you love
That's something to be proud of

And if all you ever really do is the best you can
Well, you did it man

That's something to be proud of
That's a life you can hang your hat on
That's a chin held high as the tears fall down
A gut sucked in, a chest stuck out
Like a small town flag a-flyin'
Or a newborn baby cryin'
In the arms of the woman that you love
That's something to be proud of
That's something to be proud of
Yeah, that's something to be proud of