It's a hard time in our lives right now. All for good reasons, but honestly, just very hard. We are moving out of Florida, our home of the past 17 years. Let me be perfectly self-aware here, I have never been a good Floridian. Now though, as I encounter some of the appetizers of goodbye, awaiting the full entree, I have realized something. As I have been here, living, loving, and sometimes uttering the phrase "stupid Florida", the peninsula has been quietly tattooing a little FL shaped imprint on my heart.
Our hearts betray us, and my heart betrayed me by falling in love with this place that I have detested for so long. The palm trees that have always been so cliche to me, now seem to hold an essence of unmatched freedom and beauty. The horrible flatness that plagues this land now makes it the only place that I want my daughter to learn to roller blade. The lack of seasons, horrific! Except it does get delightfully chilly in winter, without my kids having to have an entire second wardrobe, or me having to worry about snow tires and black ice.
I have no family in "stupid Florida", but in the Florida-shaped place in my heart, I have something even better. I have friends that have become family. Ladies who have chosen to be like sisters to me, even though there is no obligation of shared DNA between us. Jessica, Carla, Amy, Shelbie, Christie, Evelyn, Ashley, Bev, and Lori- you have made me laugh, cry, and be a better person. You and have loved me, and have loved my kids along side me. We have celebrated birthdays, graduations, summer vacation, children's accomplishments, and new opportunities. We have gone places together- mostly to Tijuana Flats, but also breakfasts at busy diners, concerts, concerts, and more concerts, movies, work trips, Disney, and sometimes just the grocery store. I have no choice but to take you to TN with me in my heart, because you can never, ever be replaced. Thank you for not being offended by my transparency, or humor. I doubt I will find more souls like you, should I search forever. You are more than I have deserved. There are no sufficient words, and I cannot bear to say goodbye.
So I won't...not yet. I will just ponder the past 17 years in my heart, and count myself one very lucky lady. Thank you, sweet Florida. Life here has been so, so good.
You have an uncanny way of expressing your innermost emotions...do really, write a book, dear one...sure to touch the hearts of anyone who reads your heartfelt tbhoughts!
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs...you will have wonderful friends at your next home, too...
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs...you will have wonderful friends at your next home, too...
ReplyDeleteYou have an uncanny way of expressing your innermost emotions...do really, write a book, dear one...sure to touch the hearts of anyone who reads your heartfelt tbhoughts!
ReplyDelete