That crystal ball

Hi All,
It's a cool, gray out and, honestly, I still have this damn cold but I am also realizing there are so many good things happening that I just can't be sad about the weather or the fact that if I blow my nose again it may fall OFF!
I guess I've never done things the 'conventional' way-you know those people who grow up in normal families, both parents stay married forever, 2 sets of grandparents who are still alive when you graduate college, childhood friends around...find a nice guy, get married, satisfying career, buy a house, have kids...
I, however, like to do things the unconventional way...
My family? Not so normal, although I do have some wonderful people in my family whom I love and wish I could see more. I had 4 sets of grandparents (from divorces), no childhood friends (although thanks to FB, I'm finding them!) and I got married way too young the first time, got divorced, couldn't have kids, got laid off many times in the 80's and lived in a nice, but tiny apartment. Only in my 30's have I found the happiness and contentment most others find a bit sooner-a happy marriage, a wonderful home and a career that is perfect for me...oh and kids.
Kids you say? I thought you said you couldn't have kids? I can't...
When I was in my 20's I went to a fortune telling party at a friend's home. I've always been interested in things like that (no, I don't live by my horoscope, don't worry!) and it was a fun night with friends...
The fortune teller told everyone when they'd have kids, how many, what kind of guy they'd marry...
When she got to me (I was married at the time-first time around) she was more, shall we say, less than positive?
She told me one day I'd live near water, that I would be married 2x and that I would be surrounded by kids I love but never have any of my own.
I felt bad for my friends since I had to tell them that stuff and I could see their faces where they were all telling happy stories and laughing about the future, I'm not sure they knew how to deal with what the lady told me but we all moved on from there.
So, fast forward a decade or so from THAT crystal ball and I am divorced, living in my cute little apartment in Westford (overlooking my landlord's pool) and I am single, teaching J and loving it. K is about to have little K (kid I love but not my own). A year or two later I meet Mr. P&P, we buy a condo (which overlooks the POOL) and we have 2 canine kids (Ally now is heaven). But wait, am I surrounded by kids? Hmmmm....
Yes, yes, I am. I am surrounded by the 23 (almost 24 as one just started in the screening process this weekend and one just certified this weekend) women I have mentored through J certification. Yes, some of them are older than I am or my same age and some are just a few years younger, but to me, they are my daughters. There are a few I am not in contact with any longer and that saddens me but I hope they are happy and healthy...you know, disfunction, like any normal family!
The ones that surround me every day: LD, LH, JF, JL, KT, KA, MB, MF, TD and TM...along with a few I NOW get to be around that are 'new to our family'-EFP, SH, LL, MO, TD2-well, they're all my daughters. Is it the same? Of course not. Is it just as special? To me it is.
When someone (EFP) tells you that you inspired them to do something special for themselves it's amazing.
When someone hugs you and tells you that your listening kept them sane through a crazy time it's gratifying. (JF)
When someone tells you that they want to be like you-it's unbelievably humbling.
This is especially true for me, someone who can't have kids and just figured my legacy would go with me when I am gone one day (knock on wood after I turn 100).
When I look around I realize my legacy is all the women that I have helped and mentored so they can go out and touch the lives of the folks in their classes...and the two canine daughters Mr. P&P love and who also touch people.
And that, hopefully, what I gave will continue to be given through them and everyone they touch, mentor or help in the future.
I guess it's always when I'm feeling the LEAST lucky that someone or something shows me how lucky I truly AM and I deeply appreciate that!