Leaving

Once again, I am boarding the bus for O'Hare and flying to Ft. Myers to visit dad, now 82 and feeling it, all 6'10" and 370 pounds of him.

Time to look up the name of my life insurance carrier again and write it down for John, the only information I ever make a point of leaving.

Leaving reminds me, once again, of my extreme frailty, that life can change on a dime. Goodness knows, my family didn't see my 2-year absence coming, back when I decided I needed to stay with dad for his BIG MOVE.

Leaving also reminds me of how much there is to say and how overwhelming it is to think of all that.

I was reminded by a dear friend last night of the blessing of not being tied to things. And I'm not, really. That doesn't mean I don't love to make my abode as nice as possible and put my best foot forward, but you know what I mean.

But I am tied to people, strongly tethered actually. And the thought of not seeing any of you again makes me cry.

Now, there is a darling granddaughter to add to the cherished daughters, a husband who needs me, dogs who appear to worship me, my church family of 20+ years, and this wonderful community of friends, ever-changing and growing in truly exciting ways.

But off I go, in the face of what might be, to the unknown, and this daily prayer from my Lenten on-line devotional will have to suffice: 


Go now with the assurance
That God has you in mind;
God values you and
Knows your potential.
Live this day knowing
That God has something for you;
God is making a difference
Through you.