God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 1 Corinthians 1: 3-4 NLT
What contrasts in my trip to Indiana and coming back to Florida. From endless green corn and bean fields to my lake nestled among the trees. Cool, pleasant days and then heat, humidity, and storms. Watching red breasted robins, tiny wrens, and red winged blackbirds to seeing great herons, wild turkeys, and anhingas.
Reminders of a carefree childhood. Pondering an uncertain future alone. Houses full of family members talking, laughing and playing. A silent home with one.
At the Orlando airport before boarding, sadness gripped me and tried to throw me into despair. Tears came as I remembered millions of times Alan and I waited for flights which took us around the world. Sitting alone in the midst of hundreds of travelers flooded me with memories. Reading the Sunday paper and munching on fast food pushed the heartache away. It would not board the plane with me!
After arriving in the Hoosier state, sadness peeked in and rushed away. Being with loving, happy family members comforted me. Meals together. Trips to the county fair. Enjoying the excitement of children. Joining in their exuberance. There was little room for sadness or loneliness.
Over and over I thought of times with my parents when I was growing up. I wanted them and Alan to be there with me. The first trip to Indiana without them brought anticipation of sorrow. The actual trip brought only brief periods of grief.
The trip was tonic for my grieving heart. Special childhood memories crowded my mind. Family dinners. Holiday meals. Fun at the lake cottage. Frequent gatherings. I longed for the simpler, easier life I had as a child.
I discovered that life is gone. Most families no longer live within minutes of each other. States separate many. Outside activities fill lives. Gatherings are infrequent. That bubble burst.
Everyone I met in Indiana faced changes too. Most aunts and uncles have departed. Cousins have aged and deal with health issues. Their children have grown up and are raising families. Whether in Indiana or Florida, people adapted.
After months of being alone, new routines have replaced old ones. Gradually, adjustments have come. My trip reminded me that over the years little has remained exactly the same.
I am thankful for my haven in Florida where I can relax and savor God’s creations. I am blessed to be able to travel and connect with family and friends.
My childhood life vanished. I can’t go back but can reflect on the past and embrace the future.
Heavenly Father, thank you for special memories, loving family and friends, and the encouragement to go on. Amen
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