On the Other Side

I was shocked to see that the last time I wrote anything the calendar read June 30. What the heck? Where did the summer go even?

Now my calendar reads October. It is still hot here in the Mid-Atlantic and we have not transitioned to our fall wardrobes. Maybe this heat is what has made me feel like time has been suspended. I have been spinning around in Alice’s teacups and dizzily I am finding where the ground is firm under my feet.

I spent an entirely delightful summer traipsing around visiting family members. I went to our pool as often as possible and we even got to camp three times in our brand new trailer.

We stayed by the Bay, and two different mountain ranges. We did a lot of hiking and I felt like my peace had been restored by recreating in God’s creation.

Then came the end of August.

I did not start a brand new home school year with anyone, (I knew I wouldn’t!). It came as a shock to me, though, since it is what I have been doing for so long. I was sad that this part of my life is over and I grieved its loss.

At the same time Ben moved into his first apartment and Betsy packed her bags and went off to study at college. Kris started her freshman year and my life went into hyper speed as I began to be an uber commuter, clocking an astounding amount of time in the car each day.

I wish I could say that I have leaped gracefully into this new life of mine, the, “what comes next,” but I really have not.

I missed Ben and Betsy now that they are living away and there are many days when I just wanted one of my old lives back…some stage I was familiar with, doing the things I know how to do best.

But alas, this is not meant to be and I found myself stumbling around, not able to get things done as I had hoped with all of my newfound “free time.”

I totally despise transitions and I have been stuck in this one for what feels like a long time.

Betsy was home for fall break this week and it has been absolutely fabulous to catch up with her and hear how her life is going during her Senior year. She is also a great listener and since she has been home I have been able to sort some things out for myself.

I think I have finally become more comfortable in my new post home schooling skin. I know that the new chauffeur hat that I am reluctantly wearing is here to stay for a good while, so I had better just adjust the brim and learn to wear it well. I feel ready to make a new routine and get more of my thoughts on paper, so to speak, I am ready to really try on this new life of mine.

Ready or not, here I come!