I was tagged to blog about the 4th picture in my 4th folder; this is quite an old one. It is from Elise's high school graduation almost three years ago.
At the time, we thought Elise would be attending the University of Georgia, only an hour or so away from our house. Since Elise and I had not lived in the same city since she was six years old, I was so excited. I had visions of us seeing each other more often, getting to know each other better, and generally strengthening our sisterhood while we were close. During the summer, she found out she had been accepted to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and her plans changed.
When I decided to stay in Atlanta, I always thought I would go "home" to Memphis one day. Over the years, I realized my place is here, though I miss my family terribly, especially as our family grows. I now realize I can not create or replace a sister bond, and I wish the three of us were together so we could share life the way I see other sisters do. I am often very aware that I am on my own here in Atlanta. There are certainly lonely days.
But I am thankful for my husband, who is my best friend, and I would never trade the life we have together. And I am thankful for his wonderful family and our excellent friends, and would not trade them, either. And the church we call home has facilitated my spiritual growth in ways I can't imagine having happened if I were not here. So I continue to live each day where God has called me - expectantly, thankfully, and happily.
NOW, if you have the time, I tag Lindsay, Christine, and Kimberly to blog about the 5th picture in their 5th folders. I enjoy this game of looking back and reflecting!
5 comments:
I share so much of your sentiment. The older my kids get the more I long to be near my roots.
I cannot even respond to your comments without tearing up. You know you are sorely missed in Memphis, but I knew you were in Atlanta for a reason (though I didn't know what that was for a while). I think it was to meet your wonderful husband. Anyway, I know God will be with you wherever you are. But don't forget, you are forever a Delta girl, and your first home will always be Memphis. Don't ever turn your back on that. Your now home is certainly treating you right, and I am always so thankful for all the friends and family surrounding you. You just have love all over the south! Gonna have to come see you soon! Love, Mom
Oh , and by the way, you are Never on your own there. xxxxxxxxxxx's
We are so glad you are here and love you more than you will ever know...and are so so glad you are a part of the BOYD family ....you are the older sister Lins and La never had....They LOVE their older brother more than he will ever realize but an older sis is pretty important too! I know...I have one I cherish EVERYDAY!
What a surprise to be featured in your post! I have been very aware for some time now that it's truly a miracle how close you, me, and Chloe are, even being so far apart in age and location. People often ask me if I'm close with my sisters when they hear how much older they are than me, and I'm always very proud to say that we are. We just had the bonus of skipping the "fighting stage" (though not completely...haha). It's been amazing having Chloe back in Memphis since she graduated, and a part of me still hopes that you'll make the move back home someday; but I also know that you are blessed with great friends and family in Atlanta, and it's comforting to know that you're so happy there! And even though I didn't go to UGA, we've somehow managed to get more one-on-one time together lately than we have in years! No matter how close or far away you are, you will always be part of the HARRIS family first and foremost, so don't you ever feel lonely! You're just a call or a short drive away (well, not so much for me at the moment, but soon!). I love you! --Elise
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