Yesterday marked our five-year anniversary of moving to Texas! Why we decided to move to Texas is a story of its own. There are also big stories in why we chose to stay and what all unraveled rather unfolded in the first couple of years of our living here. Right now, what is heavy on my heart (in a good way) is the precious gems I left when making the decision to move. I initially left my parents who lived 7 houses down from me, our first owned house, a job of almost a decade with some of the best co-workers, and some of the best loyal friends you could ask for. A couple of those friends came to visit me last week for four days for my birthday. They had wanted to visit me the year prior for my 40th birthday, but due to the pandemic and restrictions, they couldn’t.
A bonus is that another best friend of mine who left me to move to Georgia (insert tear rolling down my face…or many) was driving through Texas to head up to Montana for vacation. She agreed to make the road trip if they could take the longer route through Texas to surprise me for my birthday. So, we all got to spend a fun morning together and I got to introduce my friends to each other.
Reuniting with my friends was so good for my soul. I LAUGHED a lot! I mean a lot! I don’t love that it is not always easy for me to laugh, but it is. We mostly hung out playing games and watching the Summer Olympics. There was no lack of competition or random yelled out words (yes by me) in this house. You know your friends are gems, when you don’t feel overshadowed, uneasy, like you need to prove something, or feel unheard. So grateful for my friendships here in Texas and out of state like this! Hang on to them!
Moving out of state meant we don’t get to see or talk to each other every day and let’s get real, I am not the best on the phone anyway and we all have busy, or like a good friend of mine affectionately says, full lives (love that). When we are together, the conversations flow and there is no awkward catching back up moments. This earthly life is very unpredictable. Treasure those friendships! Tell them you love them! Accept your friends where they are at and love them the best you can for where you are at. As you learn in life, some people are only in your life for a season or two. Find the value in those relationships too. Grateful for you three to take time to visit me and my family. Memories we will hang on to, and the best 41st birthday!