Friends,

Have you ever had a moment, big or small, that changed your life forever? Something that changed the way you view the world? Being your RWOP Side Dish Host has definitely been a huge moment for me but I'd like to share something that happened when I was MUCH younger.

Let me give you a little background information: in our house, when you are 12 years old, you can get your ears pierced. I had been collecting earrings since I was 7 or 8 (horrible, huge, tacky 80's style jewelry--big bright swirls, parrots, you name it). Oh, I loved that earring collection!

Eight days after my 12th birthday, my house burned down in the middle of the night and we lost everything. My family survived but the house and everything in it was gone. I still remember cuddling with my sister on their living room floor of our neighbors house (having no idea the seriousness of what was going on) and trying to sleep. I remember my dad coming in and telling me that we had lost everything, I thought it was just one of his jokes. But when I realized it was no joke, my thoughts went immediately to my prized earring collection and I was devastated. It seems so silly now, but to a 12 year old, it was OH SO important!

When we got to see what was left of the house, my mom looked at me and said, "It's just stuff. It's not important. We're just practicing for when we leave this earth. We're all here and THAT'S what's important."

For some reason that really hit home and I never forgot it.

From then on, I didn't care much for "stuff". Sure, it's fun to have things that make our life easier but they're not important to me. Also, strangely enough, I almost never wear earrings...:)

So, what was one of YOUR epiphany moments? What has shaped you into the person you are today? Big or small, I want to hear about it! You can type comments here, put notes on your profile, upload pictures, videos, whatever way is easiest for you to share.

I know that all of you are special and I'd love to hear the path you went on to get here.

Hugs,

Mandy