Hello and Goodbye

Hey Friends

A Facebook memory came up in my feed today. It’s from the year that my beautiful youngest son joined the military. The feeling of loss was so huge. Not just of him specifically, although that hurt like a bad dog. But the end of the period of my life where I was actively mothering. It’s a good piece of writing. I wanted to share it. And remember the lesson. Enjoy.

Dec 2, 2019

This is what I'm learning this year.

You don't really know that something is special while it's happening. You just think, :"this is how it is". Until one day, it isn't. And then you say " Wait! I wasn't paying attention!

Christmas is getting closer. And there are no little feet in Christmas socks in my living room, around my tree.

I have had many moments of deep joy in my life. When there were things looming just around the corner that I didn't yet know. There are people who were there, who are no longer here. Either by choice or otherwise. Nothing lasts forever. It is the reality of earthly life, that goodbye is the eventual end of every happy story .

This moment is all we have. Soak it in if you can. Pay attention to the starry eyed children, the glowing fire, pajama legged bodies piled together on the couch and the floor. Wrapping paper and ribbon, and cider and coffee, Christmas music and pie.

Hold them tight. Whisper I love you. Sing those songs with all of your heart. Press your face to the silky hair and the soft neck and breathe it in.

The joy and the pain the hello and the goodbye. It's achingly beautiful.

All the Best

Lori