The mind is such a secret place. Our thoughts locked away for only us to configure.
We had our fair share of goodbye's this summer. The hardest we've ever had. It seems that each year that passes becomes more difficult. The days we enjoy so much are the ones that fly by the quickest. Nothing lasts forever, but I wish this did. Some of you might understand where this post is going. It may affect you emotionally if you can relate, and others might not completely understand...but sympathize. To those of you who have one heart in two places - we understand your struggle. To those who are living a long distance from loved ones, we feel your pain. When Ben and I started our life together we had no idea about this long rough road ahead. We knew it would be tough, but we never knew how tough until the months actually started passing by. Here we are 6 years later, still trying to adjust to this reality and the constant goodbye's.
This everyday struggle of separation. Having an ocean between us and the ones we love so dearly. The things we wish we could have but can't. Not only what we're missing out on - but our children. Aunt's and Uncles that long to hold them tight. Enjoying the little things.
Giggles and hearty laughs from tickle fights with Uncle Stephan and Aunt Claudia.
Bedtime stories snuggled up with Uncle David.
Hikes in the forest with Aunt Andrea.
Breakfast fun with Opa, and yogurt dates with Oma.
To visit Uncle Johannes and Aunt Judith on the weekend, and spend time with four sweet and spunky cousins we wish we could see on a regular basis.
Giggles and hearty laughs from tickle fights with Uncle Stephan and Aunt Claudia.
Bedtime stories snuggled up with Uncle David.
Hikes in the forest with Aunt Andrea.
Breakfast fun with Opa, and yogurt dates with Oma.
To visit Uncle Johannes and Aunt Judith on the weekend, and spend time with four sweet and spunky cousins we wish we could see on a regular basis.
To think how wonderful it would be to all be together. No heartache from this distance between families. No more long goodbye hugs with tear filled eyes, not knowing when we'll be seeing each other again. Things we wish didn't have to be.
Some days are better than others since we try to keep our minds as occupied as we can. We're thankful we can use this blog as an outlet - and to express things that we're trying to achieve. Like finding joy in life despite this heartache.
We've realized when we think of things that are worth embracing through the hard times - we shift our heart from a sense of emptiness into deep gratitude. This thought hasn't come to us overnight, and sometimes we lose sight of it, but it can uplift us during sorrowful times. Turning heartache into hope.
We've been passing this thought back and forth constantly...and though it makes us embrace each other with tears, we know how lucky we really are. We're grateful we belong to such a family. One that is extremely supportive in any circumstance, loving, and makes endless efforts beyond measure. Each one of these amazing people endure the heartaches along with us. The expensive, long, exhausting flights, the skype calls with extremely poor reception, and having to make due with phone calls and pictures instead of having each other in person.
This is one of the most difficult challenges for anyone to have to adjust to - and yet they never complain.
Each new day will have it's share of struggles for each of us - and though we're apart, we'll endure this battle together.
We Miss you all. We Love you all.
May can't come fast enough.
S.D
