From my sister's bright Montana kitchen, the crème brule coffee is brewing; the dog keeps me company in the quiet house.
Our summer camp concluded, leading to a brief road journey covering many miles over the last 6 days, offering time for reflection on one specific matter:
The passage of seasons.
This drive represents not just a seasonal shift but also a personal transition because we needed to take Son #2 to college, despite any hesitation about readiness.
Does it seem like only yesterday he was on the jolly jumper?
It appears otherwise.
This period requires my heart to adjust, which brings a slight ache, yet I seek the beauty in this life change, much like the beauty of Fall leaves with the weather shift.
***
The day before Joel left for college, we celebrated my in-laws' 50th anniversary as a family, realizing how fleeting shared time is, so I captured a family photograph.
(You will see this on our Christmas card!)
Following Joel's settling in, we traveled to Montana to visit my family.
Should I mention this trip is brief?
My heart feels torn between happy greetings and poignant farewells; these short visits are precious to treasure.
These moments have offered further insights into 'seasons' for me.
I was in 6th grade when my first nephew arrived; yesterday I met his sweet baby girl (the baby in the photo is his brother’s less-than-2-week-old daughter). It was incredibly sweet.
And my wonderful mom, I am so thankful for hugging her neck.
That story deserves a different time.
For now, I cherish these few days with my sister and her family in Montana before returning home.
Our youngest son will start school a week late, and I must contemplate my next chapter; I feel winds of change approaching and wonder where they lead?
(I believe Joel joked about the photo not going on the blog, but it did!):)
