Gratitude over Goodbye
This was supposed to be a beautifully curated, heartfelt farewell to our loved ones in Clinton. But I’m finding it next to impossible to give life to that vision. It’s easy to write lighthearted banter, but this gut punch of emotion puts a lump in my throat.
The grief amplifies the overwhelm engrained in transition. I realized this week that everything felt new. New home, new city, new grocery store, new routine, new chore chart, new goals, new preparations, new school year, new, new, new. The only thing that wasn’t new was my anxiety level! Peace be with us when we actually leave the state…
This morning, I awoke with tears in my eyes and this line on my heart:
Snuggles
My heart aches for rest
Tranquility and softness
Joy found in your arms
This afternoon, a line of poetry found me. Be excessively gentle with yourself.
(From the poem A Blessing For One Who Is Exhausted by John O’Donohue – https://onbeing.org/blog/john-odonohue-for-one-who-is-exhausted-a-blessing/
Well, message received.
I’ve come to the realization that I’m simply not ready to create an over the top 2000 photo slideshow set to tear jerker music. What was built in 12 years can’t be recapped in 12 days, who would’ve thought!? Even without that, I hope you recognize yourself in this message and know how much we appreciate your presence in our lives.
Here’s to Gratitude, NOT Goodbye
We have massive gratitude for the pizza buyers, the table lenders, the pool partyers, and the true friends that celebrated our dream like it was their own.
To my closest friends, who shared travel themed meals with me/us. Greek, Mexican, Thai, & American food has never been so joyful! You make up my inner most circle – I admire you. I adore you. You are my tribe forever. We will see you again.
To my mentor, who encouraged me to share more of myself and to write poetry… Peace be with you. You uplift my heart & calm my spirit.
To our fellow dream chasers, you get what we’re doing on a level no one else does. Like we’re speaking a secret language. Your bravery makes us braver. Your victories are ours. Ours are yours. I’m forever grateful for your friendship and the beautiful friendship our children share.
To our family, you offered support even though our dream seemed wild and crazy. Providing a stable homebase for us to launch our adventure is the ultimate vote of confidence. Muchas gracias, mi mama!
To our extended family, you have been so warm and welcoming! Sharing time with you along the road will be a delight. You add wisdom and comfort to our journey.
This is all my heart can create today. We celebrate our season together and we’re slowly accepting its evolution to something new. I know your impact in our lives will remain forever. Especially, in the hearts of our children!
**I promise lighthearted and fun adventure posts are upcoming!**
We’ve gone kayaking with cousins, hiked a bluff, and soon we get to check another state of our bucket list. The action is coming…I’m putting away my emotional soap box (for now).
4 Comments
Anne
Love the authenticity in your writings. Heartfelt sympathies and hugs and love! Anne
Martha
Thanks so much, Anne
Casey
I am beyond proud to know you and see you and your family following your dreams. I can’t wait to go on this adventure with you through your posts!
Martha
Oh Casey, thank you for your sweet words! So glad you’re following us.