Hail and Farewells

Over the past few months I have been saying a lot of goodbyes. People have been moving on (and more are soon to follow) from this post. Our own family's possible departure was on, then off, then on, then off, then on again, now it's off (for now). My heart has had a lot of sadness, frustration, and agony as these goodbyes have come, funerals, and illnesses and I have certainly wallowed.

Today I am thankful. That might sound strange, but it's the truth. There's a song that has the lyrics: Out of the ashes beauty will rise, for we know spring is coming in the morning. Beauty will rise. Maybe I'm finally to spring (in my heart).

My dear friend AD (for whom I am MOST grateful for) reminded me (as is often needed...) that I needed to grieve. That I had a lot to grieve. It's beautiful to have people in your life who recognize your silly attempts to "stay strong" when they know you need to fall apart. It's even more beautiful that they have the balls to tell you that, and the heart to support you through it. Writing this simple paragraph is filling my eyes with tears of gratitude for which I can not adequately express. She's the greatest "pen pal" a gal could ask for.

I've also come to realize that the clearing out (not ending of friendships, but transformation of location of friendships), opens the doors for new friends to join in the circus. New connections can be formed, when our tight groups move away. New people whom you can support, and be supported by. New inside jokes, new kiddo connections, new bouts of laughter, and new experiences shared over cups of coffee (or tea. I really don't drink coffee, but it sounded better. HA!).

I am blessed. I am blessed with amazing friends. I am blessed with amazing Army wives that surround me with support, laughter, encouragement and prayer. I am blessed with Non Christian friends who accept my religiousness (and whom I hope know that I accept their lack of Jesus-ness) and still support my faith perspectives. I am blessed with people who are rooting for me, my children, and my husband to succeed. I am blessed with parents who give good advice, accept my emotional intensity, and pray for me constantly. I am blessed with children who are amazing individuals. I am blessed with women whom I admire, who allow me to pick their brains all the time for advice. I am blessed with new friendships where we share a mutual faith and pray for each other.

I am immensely blessed. I am thankful for this day where it is fresh in my heart and my mind. I am thankful for new beginnings and exciting adventures that are under foot.

Spring is here. :)