Skip to main content

Filling it all in

I'm going to get a little philosophical here...but I've been doing a lot of reflecting this summer. And as my time in the Midwest comes to a close very soon - I have realized a few things.

When I learned we would be returning to the Midwest back in March I was ecstatic. I knew this time would go extremely fast, it would be very full, and I would get to strengthen my relationships with family.

All that has been accomplished.

I also wondered, "will it feel weird to be back?"

Indeed.

I've realized that I have changed a lot since I last called this place my "home". Grown is probably a better word choice than "changed".



This time has made me feel as though during my time away - I was painting the outline of a painting. Understanding what was going on - staying in touch with where everyone was it - but you don't really get to "fill in the lines" until you are face to face with those people.



I really felt like I've been able to get to know my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews much better this summer - and have grown much closer to each and every one of them.



When 20 year old Abby hopped in the U-Haul a mere 9 years ago...I don't remember crying. Probably because I was naïve and excited for the future. Also because I had never really left home before - and didn't realize what "home" held. I didn't realize what it felt like to spend holidays away and miss birthdays and reunions.



Now I know that feeling very well. I was able to play  little catch up this summer and be fully present for my sister's wedding, the 4th of July celebrations, and just time with everyone.



In a few weeks, we will pack up our cars and head back home. This time my goodbyes won't be as naïve. I'm going to be honest and say there will probably be more tears shed this time. (and that is hard for me to admit - as I cry about 2-3 times/year maybe)  But I also know that everyone will always be a plane ticket or FaceTime or phone call away.



This post may have some scratching there heads - as we had ample opportunity to summer to change our lives and make Fargo our forever home. It was a very difficult decision, but we have decided to return to our new "home" - Tucson. We have made it our home. We have made it our place. We have found friends who are like family.



I have about 2 weeks left in the Midwest, and I fully intend to drink in each moment as much as possible. Instead of tears or fear of saying goodbye - my heart is filled with extreme gratitude.


Labels:

Comments

Amber said…
Thinking about you guys as you approach your move back to Tucson date! I'm sure it's different because you knew your time at home was temporary, but Eric and I were just saying the other day how we almost see family the same amount or just a *little* bit more since moving home 1.5 years ago. With conflicting work schedules and the general busy-ness of life it can be hard to get together regularly! I think it's amazing you have put in such a solid effort to really make the absolute most of your 6 months near home and you will look back on this year with such fond memories!

Hope the next two weeks don't fly by *too* fast!
September 14, 2017 at 11:02 AM
Lisa's Yarns said…
I can totally see how your time at home has made you realize how much you have changed and grown since you moved to Tucson. You were so young when you moved and it's hard to really get to know a person when they are in such a period of transition and change. I'm glad you've really had an opportunity to reconnect with everyone and get to know them as an adult! I am sure you will forever treasure the 6 months you had in the Midwest. And I am personally hoping and praying that someday you will call this region home again! But whether or not that happens, we are always here for you and like you said, only a plane ticket or phone call away!
September 15, 2017 at 4:56 AM
Marlys said…
These past 6 months have been so wonderful - a dream come true! I relish our lake weekends and will remembe3r them fondly! You got to take in so many "events" and get to know the family & relatives so much better. It will be hard to see you leave but know that it is what you want, and that makes it easier to bear. If your heart was pulling you not to return, it would be so much harder to say goodbye. And staying in touch these days is so much easier. I am preparing myself to your departure, and hoping to be strong. I am not a crier, either, but feel them build up when I think about your leaving.
September 18, 2017 at 6:50 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ABC

We are home from a wonderful, extended-weekend-getaway to Omaha. It was filled with family, relaxations, and greatness. I will do a more detailed recap on it soon! In the meantime, I'm doing this ABC bit that I stole from my cousin 's blog! Also, no -- I did not get switched to days. Trust me, I would've told the entire world and screamed it from roof-tops if I did. A. Age: 22, but that will change on Sunday. B. Bed size: King C. Chore you dislike: Cleaning the shower - especially dealing with hard-water stains. Lime away=ouch D. Dogs: Really really really really really dislike. Really dislike. Sorry. I could do a post in itself about my dislike for canines. E. Essential start to your day: Bowl of oatmeal/or cereal with bananas. Or fruit F. Favorite color: Greeen G. Gold or silver: Definitely silver. H. Height: 5'4'' - Sometimes I lie & say 5'5''. Some people lie about their weight, age, haircolor...I lie about my height. I...
7 comments
Read more

Currently - May edition

   I haven't blogged much - but the last time I did one of these, Maddy was 9 months old. It's really fun looking back on the things that were "stressors" to me at that time. Prior to that - my currently post was a pregnancy edition.  So here goes May 2022. Maddy is almost a 15-month old and summer has set ablaze here in Tucson.   Reading :  I really wish I had a better answer for this one, but I have not been the best about reading lately. The only book I'm reading is "How to talk to your kids so they'll listen and listen so they'll talk". It is really good. Most of the book is geared more to school-aged kids, in my opinion. But it highlights some great communication skills with children to help them trust you as a parent to be open and honest. Eating: All the smoothies. It has been getting really hot here - and every day when we get home from our stroller run I make a smoothie for Maddy with whole milk, Fage, and fruit - and then a smoothie for...
1 comment
Read more

Pandemic Pregnancy

Dearest Sebastian,  This will be a more sobering letter, but I don't think I can write about my pregnancy without addressing the big elephant in the room.  I write this letter to you in grave hopes that by the time you're old enough to read these letters, COVID-19 is something you read about in your history books. However, by the time you're taking history classes, I am sure you won't have textbooks. I'm sure some robot will tell you about it.  I hope that you go to a busy, bustling school with activities, contact sports, and choir. (all things that currently don't exist). I hope you had a childhood where you could play tag. (currently banned). I hope you have school pictures where you are making faces at the camera that is not hidden behind a mask. But given the current state, your mama is not so sure what kind of world she is bringing you into. At this point, all I can tell you is that I promise your Dad and I will travel with you and make life as special as w...
4 comments
Read more