Thankful

We reconvened as a family again yesterday, as Ethan and Halle and I joined Bill and Zach back at home plate, here in the Midwest.  They left us last week for a road trip, moving Zach and all that belongs to him to familiar territory.

I'm thankful to be here, to settle in to a lazy summer visiting family and friends, helping Zach transition into what will become life for him again. I'm thankful as I reflect on how carefree it is to ease back into life in the Midwest... thankful to embrace these big changes in a comforting place. And, I'm so thankful for the frame of mind I find myself in.

Four of us will be headed back at the end of the month - not five.  I'm sure there will be many opportunities to be thankful for what will transpire in the coming weeks.  That will be my focus as we leave our oldest here, so many miles away... grateful for the experiences of our lives.

I am sure that the miles that separate will continue to create growth and deep appreciation.