Transition Time (& Glamping!)

After a month here, and helping so much, Han took off back to the Mill last week. Now I'm here on my own for a bit, tying up loose ends before joining him next week.

We were able to get so much done while he was here--and we took a weekend out to travel to Whidbey Island for our first "glamping" experience. It was pretty special.

Now it is truly countdown time. If all goes smoothly, I'll be departing here on the 16th to join Han (and Zack-who will be there on vacation) in Alkmaar. I'll be leaving the keys of Mom's house with the realtor (that she picked out!). I've had to be very mindful of what I'm going to ship to Holland and I've narrowed it down to about 200 cubic feet worth of stuff: things of mine (and Mom's!) that most spark joy. This has not been easy. As Mom's dear friend, Sue, said in a recent text: "you have a big job breaking camp". That is true--and a comforting way to look at it.

And, as I go through the things, and papers, and photos...the biggest thing that stands out is truly the love I have been gifted my entire life: from my mom, my dad, my grandparents, my great grandparents, friends, and extended family. I can feel it in the momentos, in the letters written (and the letters kept). I can see it in the photos, that trigger so many happy memories. And I can feel it surrounding me during this tender time. 

Nothing can take that away. And if I couldn't take a physical thing with me, I would always have that. 

I will always have that.

Thanks for the special card, J.T...and for your insight that was spot on:

Mom truly did "inhale life and exhale love".

❤️