Chapters
It occured to me today with great force that I have entered another chapter of my life. I had been thinking about it a couple of weeks ago when they started school, but because of sickness last week the schedule was off so it wasn't as apparent. I realized today that the last time I had "quiet" afternoons was a few years ago when they were both still taking naps--I had forgotten what it was like and how much I loved naptime ;).
You hear a lot about 'chapters' or 'phases' of life but it doesn't really hit you when you're young. While I knew life would change as I grew, it never occured to me that it would be divided into distinct periods which I could look back on and say "wow, that was when this phase started/ended". Sometimes the changes were sudden, sometimes they were gradual and periods would overlap. But they all eventually ended--resulting in new beginnings.
My first chapter ended when Dad died. I was 19 and in my first year of college; Mike hadn't even graduated high school yet. It was a very sudden ending--one minute life was fine and the next it changed forever. After that was a period of 4 years which was not fun for many reasons. The next phase changed over very slowly, starting with mom getting sober and finishing the turnover when I met Dave. That was a very good chapter, as indeed they have all been since then :). Having children started another one as it so often does, and again it was a sudden change, although at least this time I had some warning ;). This most recent period has been changing slowly as well, as the boys have gone to school for longer periods and more days, until finally this fall they're both away all day all week.
I know this new chapter will be a good one, with lots of opportunities for me especially. I finally have the time to explore and do the things I want to. Of course one of my questions as I embark on this path is where do I want to go? That I haven't quite figured out yet ;).
Currently working on: Band Sampler RR, 2006 Mini RR, Story RR, Ian's Dino mini RR, Halloween Exchange, Brendan's keychain
You hear a lot about 'chapters' or 'phases' of life but it doesn't really hit you when you're young. While I knew life would change as I grew, it never occured to me that it would be divided into distinct periods which I could look back on and say "wow, that was when this phase started/ended". Sometimes the changes were sudden, sometimes they were gradual and periods would overlap. But they all eventually ended--resulting in new beginnings.
My first chapter ended when Dad died. I was 19 and in my first year of college; Mike hadn't even graduated high school yet. It was a very sudden ending--one minute life was fine and the next it changed forever. After that was a period of 4 years which was not fun for many reasons. The next phase changed over very slowly, starting with mom getting sober and finishing the turnover when I met Dave. That was a very good chapter, as indeed they have all been since then :). Having children started another one as it so often does, and again it was a sudden change, although at least this time I had some warning ;). This most recent period has been changing slowly as well, as the boys have gone to school for longer periods and more days, until finally this fall they're both away all day all week.
I know this new chapter will be a good one, with lots of opportunities for me especially. I finally have the time to explore and do the things I want to. Of course one of my questions as I embark on this path is where do I want to go? That I haven't quite figured out yet ;).
Currently working on: Band Sampler RR, 2006 Mini RR, Story RR, Ian's Dino mini RR, Halloween Exchange, Brendan's keychain
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WOW you just described my life. I never really thought of it that way. Altho I still have kids at home, I have started a new chapter. Maybe you too, can take up guitar in your spare time ;) or buy some new boots LOL...while putting your own life in perspective, you did that for me too. You're a good friend!
You are so right, Holly. Sometimes those chapters end with a flourish and the new one begins with a bold heading. And sometimes they just sort of ease into the next one and you only later discover that the tone and setting and many of the characters have changed. Here's to our new beginnings, my friend!!!
I feel like I'm heading into a new chapter, and I think its going to be a good one. Thank you for writing this - it really made me think about things this evening.
By 
, at 8:05 PM
, at 8:05 PM
This is beautifully said. I love that the chapters of our lives can flow so seamlessly. We started a new chapter this week with homeschool. The verdict is still out how it's going to read.
I think we can all relate to what you are saying, Holly. I know I am feeling a bit between chapters, with no baby in the house for the first time in 8 years. I have no idea what I'll do when Josh goes off to school, but thankfully that's still a couple of years away. Enjoy your newfound freedom!
Emma
Emma
