I recently made a kind of spontaneous trip to Sacramento to see the family.
Andrew is my oldest brother. He, his wife, and son live in Georgia right now. He is stationed there in the Navy. He was out on the boat for awhile, hadn't seen the fam in CA for a couple years, and decided to go for a visit.
Long story short, Andrew and Sabrina and AJ flew in and so did I to have a reunion! They surprised my mom, which was PRICELESS. My mom about had a heart attack when little AJ walked in the door that morning. Greg, Andrew, and I hadn't been together in about 3 years--so it was a joyous time.
Since I moved to WA to do Anthem in the fall of 08, I've missed home ALOT. I've desperately missed the sun and family. Two comforts I don't have in WA. I've gone through many different seasons with missing CA--the darkest one resulting in me and Z sitting down to figure out how soon we could move there. But, that season has come and gone--like most do--and I've found my heart in a new, interesting spot.
My mom dropped me off at the Sac aiport that Monday night after an emotional, kind of overwelming 4 whole days with my family. And as I boarded the plane and sat there in the cramped middle seat, I blew out a sigh of relief and thought "I am really excited and anxious to go home." Usually I thought this when I was flying to Sacramento, not from Sacramento.
For the first time, EVER, I really felt like Olympia was home. After being away for 4 years, after desperately disliking it here for 4 years, after desperately wanting to move for 4 years, I can truthfully and confidently say I do not want to move to Sacramento right now. This is my home, here with Zach. This is where we are supposed to be.
And if that isn't monumental enough, I can also truthfully and confiendently say; This is where I want to be.
What a weight lifted off! I've been carrying the ball and chain of Sacramento around my ankles for four years. I was afraid to let CA go because it is where I'm from, where I grew up, where I spent 19 years of my life making memories and a life. But, letting CA go doesn't mean letting those things go. They will always be a part of me.
But, how can I embrace the things God has for me here in WA if I'm constantly focused on the past in CA or wishing my present and future were in CA? It is an impossible task. That's where misery is born.
Kind of funny that it was just my birthday--the 1st day of a new year, and now it is also this--the first step out of an old state (play on words, HA) and into a new one. It wont always be easy, butbut here's to year 23 , here's to actually embracing this interruption (divine intervention, rather) called Olympia, WA.
Andrew is my oldest brother. He, his wife, and son live in Georgia right now. He is stationed there in the Navy. He was out on the boat for awhile, hadn't seen the fam in CA for a couple years, and decided to go for a visit.
Long story short, Andrew and Sabrina and AJ flew in and so did I to have a reunion! They surprised my mom, which was PRICELESS. My mom about had a heart attack when little AJ walked in the door that morning. Greg, Andrew, and I hadn't been together in about 3 years--so it was a joyous time.
Since I moved to WA to do Anthem in the fall of 08, I've missed home ALOT. I've desperately missed the sun and family. Two comforts I don't have in WA. I've gone through many different seasons with missing CA--the darkest one resulting in me and Z sitting down to figure out how soon we could move there. But, that season has come and gone--like most do--and I've found my heart in a new, interesting spot.
My mom dropped me off at the Sac aiport that Monday night after an emotional, kind of overwelming 4 whole days with my family. And as I boarded the plane and sat there in the cramped middle seat, I blew out a sigh of relief and thought "I am really excited and anxious to go home." Usually I thought this when I was flying to Sacramento, not from Sacramento.
For the first time, EVER, I really felt like Olympia was home. After being away for 4 years, after desperately disliking it here for 4 years, after desperately wanting to move for 4 years, I can truthfully and confidently say I do not want to move to Sacramento right now. This is my home, here with Zach. This is where we are supposed to be.
And if that isn't monumental enough, I can also truthfully and confiendently say; This is where I want to be.
What a weight lifted off! I've been carrying the ball and chain of Sacramento around my ankles for four years. I was afraid to let CA go because it is where I'm from, where I grew up, where I spent 19 years of my life making memories and a life. But, letting CA go doesn't mean letting those things go. They will always be a part of me.
But, how can I embrace the things God has for me here in WA if I'm constantly focused on the past in CA or wishing my present and future were in CA? It is an impossible task. That's where misery is born.
Kind of funny that it was just my birthday--the 1st day of a new year, and now it is also this--the first step out of an old state (play on words, HA) and into a new one. It wont always be easy, butbut here's to year 23 , here's to actually embracing this interruption (divine intervention, rather) called Olympia, WA.
2 comments:
beautifully said Aimee! Having spent 20 yrs in the military, we learned fast that where you live is what you make of it. If you're going to be miserable, it's going to be a miserable place to live. If you learn to embrace it, even if you are desperately missing extended family, you will be happy wherever you are! I am so happy for you and Zach! You've got each other and you both always put God first, and you my dear niece, have got it all! love you guys!
beautifully said Aimee! Having spent 20 yrs in the military, we learned fast that where you live is what you make of it. If you're going to be miserable, it's going to be a miserable place to live. If you learn to embrace it, even if you are desperately missing extended family, you will be happy wherever you are! I am so happy for you and Zach! You've got each other and you both always put God first, and you my dear niece, have got it all! love you guys!
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