And, school has started, actually, I should say it is in full-swing! The girls are settling in nicely, making friends, and I think they like their classes. They have had a few opportunities to meet new kids in town, but for the most part, they stick together...running, shooting baskets, playing pitch and catch--or just watching movies, or listening to music--and texting is near constant during all those activities! They make me laugh...and they never cease to amaze me--just their thought processes are so different from mine--I can learn so much from them. For, in them, there is little fear of people or in new experiences--their biggest fears are usually after watching scary movies--they are shy at first, but once they feel like you want to hear about them, they loosen up pretty quickly and start talking!
It was so much fun yesterday to get a phone call in the late morning...my phone has different ring-tones for each of the girls (thanks to Madison!) and Alayna's started playing. Well, imagine my delight when I said 'hello!'...and this little voice starts immediately relating all the details of 'her first day at Grace Pre-school!' Hilarious! And so precious! Ally called to tell me all about her teachers, what she had done and learned, what they played with and that they were having lunch in the park! LOVE IT! She is so excited to be learning, and to have 'her school' to talk about--she had learned how to 'sign' two words--and can't wait to show me those signs!
As I talked to Alayna later, she related how quiet her days have become with only one little one there! As I thought about that, it hit me how quiet my days are as I prepare for school, or getting a job, but settling us in to our new life. I have always had 'little' hands around to help me...and now, I face day-time hours alone. And, that is as it should be--just different for me to consider and enjoy!
That's what I would say to my friends that are facing 'empty nest' for a variety of reasons--embrace where you are, create your 'new normal'...and be thankful for this time...there is always something to be thankful for, in each stage and place our lives take us. Right now, I have time to study, organize, quietly think and plan, cook, exercise, blog(!) and make new friends...I am applying for jobs, praying for others...and considering our future. And, as my dear friend recently suggested: I have real time to heal. Heal? Really, you might ask...from what? I won't go 'there' at this moment, but I will say, that it is imperative that we not only choose to heal, but we allow ourselves time to heal from past hurts, or disappointments, or set backs, or health issues...our culture would push for the exact opposite...but healing is basic for the 'next part of your life'...to happen as it should!
How is that for run-on sentences and ideas that just spill out?
Right now, I'm off to Bible study to make new friends--and to be encouraged by God's word and His people--LOVE that!
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