Jan 2015...the changes

So much could be written..quite a bit of time since last post.  Abbey at college, first semester..back east. There was emotion..there were challenges but of course challenges were expected. She thought much of Mom..Abbey knew no one..and no one knew her history, thus a new, new start as many college freshman endure..but Abbey really had clean 'no history' with anyone start.  There were some tough moments, BUT BUT!  So proud of her..she did very well in class..math a toughie but still satisfied with grade.. She won an award in a theatre class "Best Actress"!  She downplayed it..but I said I am telling the world!  She made a really, really good, sweet friend..from a wonderful family.  She does get along with her roommate.  There are some 'sandpaper' moments, but they do laugh so much she said..they do hang out and enjoy being together..I am so grateful for this.
We both had to do some adjustment, major adjustment over the past 4 months but we did it..AND we knew it was best to have the entire 4 month time..that separation..Abbey even said as hard as it was, it was good..and it was..It was a chapter we needed to endure.  I sure missed her in the room, but again, I knew this step was necessary and ordered for us. AND now she just flew back for second semester after a 3 week Christmas/New Year.. Our hearts are heavy...in some strange way, heavier than the first departure..except for the night I drove away first semester..that was a deep heart and soul hit..but it was again, a good life-step.  She had a wonderful break so that is indeed part of the heaviness in the leaving but she also knows there are some exciting, new moments ahead..Sorority rush, new classes, and more.  Plus now she has a good friend, a good church, she knows the 'lay of the land' much better..the transition should hopefully, prayerfully be easier.. Christmas can just bring the warm&fuzzies..The holidays can do it, bring emotion.   We had a great New Year's Eve party...nothing too big..just right amount of guests.  We had great music, food, laughter, did my "Play It By Ear" game, we dropped our own ball, counted down with the old school glitter numbers I have had for years.  A product of DJ events..Becky and I made them quite a few years ago.  Abbey had former classmates from high school here..I had a few great friends..what a fun time..a smile will come to our face when thinking of the night.
And now, I know I will, we will adjust.  It is a form of grief..it is like a loss..but the days will come and activity will come and dim the grief, as it should.   I am so thankful for the busy, meaningful time we had..We went to the cemetery Christmas Day...a most reflective and thought provoking time.  Abbey /we..visited so many people..she stayed with her BFF. KT..saw BF/ CG and many more pals..IP...we visited Becky's brother and sweet wife..stayed a sweet night with them.   I was in a show from JOF..the Christmas Journey Show..I played "The Grinch"..what a fun, exciting time (sure made me think of how I have missed the theater setting)  ..so many wonderful peeps involved..so blessed to be a part of it..So many people came to Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center..we had 6 shows..wow..just a fulfilling time.   Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to this earth in such a humble way..what a plan..what a plan...some who came probably heard for the first time..
There may be some changes ahead...BIG changes...It is time.  So hard to believe the life-path, the challenges..the triumphs, the pinnacle moments, the not-so-pinnacle moments that have transpired since 5-23-2011. Grief still threads some days..the holidays can, of course bring periodic grief..but a healthy life zest is also evident..and Becky would of course, say Celebrate it!  Live full!  And we are!  We are!  there is dancing, there is singing, there is a smile..and there is the heart that wants to help others in the uncertainty of life.
More to come...but as I have said..I know one day this blog site writing will cease.  But still good to record or journal the journey.  So onward-forward.. God give you peace..ask Him for it...

Much Love to all..

Bill

PS. Abbey baked those absolutely stellar magic bars..the ones with no fat, no calories..ha-ha.. :)