Home, Sweet, Home

When I was going into the 7th grade, I moved from Florida to Colorado. I wasn't happy about it. I was leaving my friends and the beach...two very important things to me at the ripe old age of 11. I started at a new school and made new friends as I always had in the past. We had moved a LOT as I grew up and I had grown accustomed to the process. In the meantime, however, I discovered something that would mean more to me than the beach ever could...the Mountains.

My mom spent much of her young life in Colorado and had decided it was time to return. I never thought I would forgive her for taking me away from Florida. Now, I realize what a tremendous gift she gave me.

It is, quite honestly one of the hardest feelings for me to put into words. When I am in Colorado I feel a sense of joy, of happiness and an amazing peace. I remember when I was in high school I spent many hours alone in my car parked at a viewing spot in Garden of the Gods. There is a beautiful view of Pikes Peak from there. It is tucked away so you don't hear any of the busy noises of the city. It was a place I used to clear my mind, to sort my thoughts, and to pray. I never really shared with anyone that I did this because it was just my spot and I didn't want to risk losing it! I could spend hours staring at the mountains, the surrounding city and the peaceful nature around me. It somehow made my life, my concerns, and my thoughts seem so little next to the massive world around me. It helped me to see that I am a part of such a wonderfully big world. It helped me to remember how big my God is and how he could help me handle my challenges.

When I moved away from Colorado and joined the Navy, I knew I was going to miss Colorado and the mountains. I don't think I understood the extent to which I would miss them, however.

To make a long story short (which tends to be very hard for me) I joined the Navy, went to boot camp, moved to South Carolina, got married, got out of the navy, had a baby, moved to Virginia and had another baby. Basically, I have started my own life and my own family. However, being a military family, we don't get too much of a say in where we live. I am fortunate that I have gotten to visit Colorado frequently since I moved away.

I always thought it would get easier each time I had to say goodbye and leave my family and Colorado. With this most recent trip, however, I feel that it has only gotten harder to leave. I am sure it is a combination of many things that plays into these feelings, but what it boils down to is the fact that I love it. I miss it. I hate living this far from it. No matter where the Navy moves us, or where we live after we are done with the military life, I truly believe Colorado will always be "home" to me. David and I talk often about the possiblities of retiring there. I love sharing with my children the same things that my mom shared with me.

You have no idea how it warmed my heart when Ian and I were sitting and enjoying the mountains and he turned to me and said, "Mommy, isn't that a beautiful view?" That is MY boy!

Thank you, Mom, for moving us to Colorado!