I hated to say good-bye to Stacie this week. I know that the rest of my time in Unalakleet won’t be the same, as she helped me fill my days with happy thoughts and productivity. Seriously, it’s been a challenge to stay motivated at times, but it’s hard to justify laziness when I look to see my friend who on a daily basis raises two wonderful children, supports her great husband, and is coming upon the completion of her Masters in Education. On top of this, she was my “therapy replacement” during the long, dark winter hours… along with her coffee maker. 🙂
As I get ready to say good bye to my Alaska residency, I look back to all that’s changed in my life over 3 short years. I’m very happy and proud of the way I’ve stretched out of my comfort zone and achieved some things I’d never even considered. Mostly, though, I am thankful for the friendships I was blessed with these past couple of years. I have met some of the most amazing people… intelligent, strong, and kind. I have grown more into myself with their help.
And now I get ready to face the “outside” world… a place where I’ve been treated as an esteemed guest since I left. Soon, my stories will be the same as everyone else’s; it will no longer be a novelty to talk to me. It’s scary to give up the known – but it’s time.
And so I look forward to sharing my time with my family back home… the times I’ve dreamed of plenty over the past 3 years. I can look for the guaranteed support and love from them, and I can’t wait to give them the same. But I will certainly miss the folks who stepped in and became my “family” up North. Here’s to our next adventures!
Seriously Erin, it’s ALWAYS a novelty to talk to you…….Love ya and see you tomorrow…….Lo
Throughout the course of our lives, many people come and go. I often marvel at how these people bring so much joy to the journey. I feel blessed to know and love so many good, kind, and amazing people (yourself included), and I know what you mean about how friends can help you see and become more of yourself than you ever imagined. I, for one, could never tire of visiting with you, and I’m so glad that you’ll be closer (wherever that might be) to us so we can see you more often (fingers crossed!)
We are getting set to take some of our first big trips with our little guy. Evan will be six weeks old on Thursday, and we will begin traveling with him in a couple of weeks. We have to head down to Amboy for Josh’s grandpa’s burial, and then we’ll make the even longer trip “Up North” for Mother’s Day weekend. We have several jaunts to the Cook area planned at various times throughout the summer, so we’ll have to make sure to catch up with you and Bill at some point!
I’d better get some sleep. Take care, travel safely, and know that you are thought of often and loved much!
Hugs,
Melissa
You and Stacie look so happy in that picture…you really are so lucky to have had each other the last two years…and it looks like you will have no problem being near friends in MN when you start your life their. Life looks good!