southern roots

I left only for a night but now that I'm back home and rested, I feel like I was gone for a week. This trip was a special one. I got to navigate around airports by myself with wide-open eyes- listening to my favorite music; in pursuit of dear friends I haven't seen in years. Once I got to them each one unraveled to me significant events that had happened to them since the last time we had been together. My brain felt like a sponge and I thought of my daughter as I diligently soaked in everything. Their stories were so meaningful to me. And now that I'm home I feel I read through six good books that weekend.

One is married; two are engaged; one can dance around so gracefully with the soccer ball, she plays professionally; another is starting to really open up and find herself; and the friend I knew the least about just watched her precious father die two weeks ago. Tears never even came close to escaping her eyes when talking about the experience. She explained that she knew it was coming and was prepared. I was taken back by her strength and the powerful statements she made, like:  "I feel I haven't slept for six months. I'm so ready to sleep now." 



















All night I felt like I was being hugged by the warm winter winds. We celebrated our friendships at a bar that reminded me of a tree house. The lighting was perfect and I couldn't help but notice all the naturally beautiful people around me. We migrated next into the city where the big buildings surrounded us.

The next afternoon as we all packed up to head back to our homes, we promised to reconnect much sooner the next time. Four years from now would just be way too long.

I put my headphones on once I was at the airport- excited to take in the final part of this little adventure I was on. Feist came on..."I feel it all. I feel it all." I thought of my family. I was happy to be heading to them. And then I thought of heartstrings. It's so interesting how you feel like your own heart is running around in your children. You don't want to be away from them for long. I took a short nap on the plane ride home and met Kyle outside. As the car pulled up, I noticed immediately he gave himself a hair cut and it looked so good. It's shorter and reminds me of when we first met. I put my bag in the backseat and hopped in the car- feeling thankful for the people in my life right now and excited for the friendships I have not made yet.