As weeks go this last one or two have been a real Doozy… with a capital D.
The Holidays in and of themselves can be tricky enough all on their own. This one has been particularly so, with a notable lack of Holiday spirit, likely in large part due to a now complete (mostly) out-of-state move. Now add in to both the holiday and the moving activities some nasty inclement weather, which has rather mucked with the timeline of the move.
Next throw in an unfortunate moving van mishap, resulting in the loss of a good number of belongings, including some rather special passed down antiques. A little more on that later as I really must note here that no humans or pets were seriously harmed. All these are all accounted for and are currently, for the most part, well.
Needless to say this has not been my best Holiday Season.. not by a long shot. Not the best Christmas. Not my best birthday. Not the best New Year. Not at all how I pictured or would have wanted it. To say my ‘Happy’ has been little lost and maybe even hiding is an understatement.
But in the midst of all this crap (using that term very lightly here) I earnestly and purposefully am looking for those snippets of good, bits of better even, well, better. Those glittery sparkly moments. The silver linings….
And a little back to it… Those beautiful antique tables and dressers, the comfy cozy beds, two very good sized reptile enclosures and contents, my unmentionables, and so many other things, both precious and practical alike now lost… Was I shaken? Yes, absolutely. Was there deep worry, some anxiety, and tears? Yes. But these are all things. Some family memories attached to them are certainly held dearly, but they are things none the less.
Lining one… and this one is the most important… no one in my family was seriously hurt. And had there been several different slight variations in our movements or actions that day it could have been devastating in that area.
Lining two… all the pets remained safe, even if inconvenienced and a bit discomforted. They are still safe, and we are replacing their needed items as we can.
Lining three… though we could not all make it to the same place that night due to the issues and weather conditions, we did find accommodations to suit, until the remaining could safely get on the road the next morning.
Lining four…. the home we are now in is not ours. But that is only temporary. It is a comfortable place for the time being. We are most grateful for the time here. And from that we are that much closer to where we will need to be.
Lining five… there were two other moving van and three other trailer loads that made it with no issue whatsoever… Seems like a lot, I know. But most of you would have to concede that should you have to pack up to move now you would likely find you have accumulated more that you remember having. We still have much. And even within the destruction we found some very meaningful things that made it surprisingly well intact… like my mom’s recipe box, the majority of which’s recipe cards were scattered throughout the mess.
Lining six and another favorite, though I think this should be higher on the list, we did get to spend some actual time Christmas Day (in-between packing) with my sisters and their families. I really think that everyone should be blessed with sisters like mine…
We are bruised, but not broken. This coming year shows so many wonderful possibilities, some not yet seen or known, and many blessing are very sure to come.
My hope for each of you in this New Year is that the good far and away outweighs the bad, amazing memories are made to hold to, time and experiences with family are found often, remembrances are both fond and easier, silver linings are brilliantly so when absolutely needed, blessings rain down on you in the most opportune moments, and new awesome experiences and amazing travel find you.
My hope for you and yours is that 2023 be your best year yet!!! A very Happy New Year to you all!!!
Of Loss and Love 