So much has happened since posting my last blog; yet so much in my life is exactly the same. I'm blessed to have this paper trail as a reminder. It seems like just yesterday. 

“Mama went to heaven May 31, 2012. Her cheery smile and gentleness are treasures she left for us to remember. That reminds me of my father who joked as he raked leaves for dazzling bonfires, whistled while giving hay rack rides, and roasted hundreds of golden marshmallows for me. Dad's also in heaven. 

We all grieve the absence of certain people in our lives—and not just from death!!! Sometimes we're forced to leave our beloved homes and cherished friendships behind...” 

Ironically, my FB post on Oct. 28, 2012 [the day Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast] said, "Not gonna worry; not gonna fret. Somebody bigger than you and me is in control of this universe!!!" The rains came, winds blew, and our house remained intact; but the job my hubby casually applied for on that fateful day required another move. 
Our lives were upside down for quite awhile. 

Five months later, we closed on a house 1,000 miles away and our belongings were delivered. It took another seven months to unpack 300 boxes. I still haven't found some of my favorite toiletries but new ones have been purchased. All in all, it finally feels like home again. 

While sipping coffee early in the morning, appreciating beautiful gardens showcasing our lawn in the afternoon, or watching as stars emerge at night, I remain in awe of the world that spins around me. He's still in control and I'm content where I am...though the moments that take my breath away are causing me to begin writing once again. 

Ever have a wonderful yet difficult summer? 
I did. I'm enthusiastic about life and enjoy people—those unique individuals we make connections with, then miss when they're absent. My mom taught me how interesting they truly are and to value each one.

Mama went to heaven on May 31, 2012. Her cheery smile and gentleness are treasures she left for us to remember. That reminds me of my father who joked while raking up leaves for dazzling bonfires, whistled during hayrack rides, and roasted hundreds of golden marshmallows. Daddy is also in heaven… 

All of us grieve the absence of certain people in our lives—and not just from death!!! Sometimes our challenges include the loss of significant and meaningful interactions with co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family members when we/they make changes in schooling, jobs, places of worship, residences, or end participation with groups we’ve been 
involved. As I child, my immediate family moved often. Not only were we forced to leave beloved homes and cherished friendships behind but inherent in that process was the requirement to become familiar
with a new locality, re-establishing your identity regardless of being lonely or apprehensive. And there were always more goodbyes. As an adult, I’ve lived in several additional locations. 
 
This summer, we were able to reconnect in the Midwest, in Texas, and on the East Coast. Friendships were temporarily rekindled and great joy resulted from reunions with never-to-be-forgotten friends and family members! It was wonderful. The problem? I miss those people who were once an integral part of my existence. These were only brief encounters and life continues in different arenas for all of us. Memories are simply little reminders . . . and not reality. While sipping coffee early in the morning, or watching as the stars emerge at night, I’m usually retrospective about my history. 
 
While adjusting to any new phase in our lives, sadness comes naturally for a while until we come to terms with the change, perhaps building new relationships. Grief can include mental anguish, deep sorrow, remorse, and emotional distress depending on a number of factors. There are endless options on how to cope and move on. Frequently, people don’t know how to  respond and encourage us to blow it off, forget the past, or ignore the pain and smell the flowers around us. Feelings shouldn’t rule us but they can’t be disregarded because they are painful. When considering them, we learn to be at peace with what isn’t or wasn’t. Creativity helps build contentment, develops a plan for how we'll respond to tomorrow. 

Right now, I'm going to like a bunch of stuff I see on FB. It's just a little thing but will remind me of some cherished friends around the world for a few minutes.