In looking back on this past year 2014 was not at all what I expected it to be as I cheersed the New Year with champagne and kisses surrounded by my dearest friends and family. It started subtly enough; an innocent conversation between Myah and I as we warmed our perpetual Minnesota chill in the steam room at LifeTime Fitness. She was sharing with me about her day and what she had learned in Drivers Ed when, like any good parent would, I took that opportunity to ask her what she planned on doing to make money to pay for the car, insurance, and gas that having her driver’s license would require. Without skipping a beat she informed me that she would not need a car as she was planning on going to Georgia Tech for college where the MARTA would suffice as her main mode of transportation. Recalling that she had toured GT the previous summer while there for a wedding with her Grandma I began to ask questions about why, what she liked, credentials, criteria, and of course tuition. As our conversation neared its end I recall shrugging and saying “I could live in Georgia”. And as the saying goes; be careful what you wish for.
That simple entertaining of thought, subsequent discovery of the aforementioned tuition, prayer, and a whole sky of stars aligning we began our journey south. Reflecting upon this past year, I can unequivocally say this was definitely the biggest transition I have faced in my 40 years. Bigger than getting married, becoming a Mom, and losing loved ones. Scarier than the Haunted Basement of the Soap Box Factory. More emotional than the first time I watched Rose lose Jack’s grip as he slipped into the icy waters after the Titanic sank. And, truth be told, more exciting than stepping onto a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
From telling our friends and family the news to selling our house and saying goodbye to all of the above, many of the truths I had come to know were beautifully confirmed: First; that I am surrounded by the best people in the world who planned parties, helped pack, stored and sold countless items, supported us, encouraged us, and most importantly, cried with us. They show up when you least expect it and need it most. Second; I know now that even on my worst day as a Mom I will move mountains to give Myah the best chance at achieving her dreams. Third; I know that my husband is the best kind of magician – no tricks, no sleight of hand, no smoke and mirrors; pure, raw, hard to accomplish, triumphant magic. He makes things happen for the simple pleasure of making me smile. and finally, I understand myself better. Not in a self-discovery “ah-ha” kind of way but in a quiet resolve and content kind of way. I used to think that being virtually omni-present and involved in every detail of people’s lives was how I proved myself as a friend (don’t get me wrong I long for spending time and knowing all the details but 1100 miles is a distance not easily bridged in person) and now I see that true friendship has no boundaries. It is not stifled by time differences, limited by distance, or diminished by frequency of visits. It is, however intentional and fueled solely by love.
So as I look back on this past year of unforeseen heartache coupled with unexpected adventure I am humbled because it is part of my life’s story and that is my favorite book.
