There’s a saying that
goes like this: “The only thing that stays the same is that nothing
ever stays the same.” I’m pretty much the poster child for
this saying, as my life reflects more changes over the years than I like to acknowledge. Some
changes are good, some changes are not.
Relationships
change. Jobs change. Home addresses
change. Friendships change. Our bodies
change. Finances change. The state of our health
changes.
The only thing that
doesn’t change is God’s love for us. But the rest is up for grabs,
and our lives can change at the drop of a hat.
If you know my family,
you know what an awesome bunch of folks I’m blessed to have in my life. We’ve
always been very close, and in prior years, spent most weekends together at my
grandma’s house. When I was a kid, I didn’t know the difference
between aunts and uncles “by marriage” and those born into the
family. My Uncle Gene was as much related to me as my Aunt
Joyce. I remember being so confused when I first learned that we
were not all related in the way that I thought. But, no
matter. I still stick to the same feeling – my relatives “by
marriage” are just as loved as those whose DNA I share.
As the years went by,
and life became more busy and complicated, we didn’t spend as much time
together. It seemed with each new generation, we drifted a little
further apart, and our time spent together slowly dwindled to holidays,
weddings, graduations, or funerals.
One exception to this
has been my relationship with my cousin Jim's wife, Mary Kay. She
married into the family, and quickly became the life of the
party. She’s a hilarious gal with a Milwaukee accent, and as much
fun as a barrel of monkeys. Jim passed away ten years ago, and since
his passing, Mary Kay and I have become closer than ever. She blames
me for her passion for paper crafting and card making. I hosted a
Stampin’ Up show years ago, and she and her sister came for moral
support. They were not the least bit interested in anything crafty,
but came to my show anyway. Stars were born, and they both became
addicted to crafting! Since that time, she has amassed the most
amazing stash of supplies, tools, and equipment, and Jim helped her create the
most fabulous craft room ever. We have spent so many hours together
creating cards, sharing secrets, and making plans for our respective
futures. There have been numerous no-sleep sleepovers, and I’ve
returned to work many a Monday morning running on a serious sleep deficit, but
with a heart filled with love and creative satisfaction for all the things we
accomplished in the craft room.
But now that is
changing. She is moving to Phoenix. Her siblings are
scattered across the country now, and there is a sister in Phoenix with health
issues, so MK will be moving to be near her. It is the absolutely
the right thing to do, and I support her 100%, but my heart is broken, and I
can’t stand the thoughts of her no longer being a 45-minute drive
away. She “gets” me on so many levels. I love her as much
as my other precious cousins. She is my family, and my extra special
friend. I’ve spent the past three weekends helping her purge and
pack. It was bittersweet, going through and packing up all the craft
supplies. So many memories. The house is empty now, and our voices
bounce off the bare walls in a sad echo. While I’m so excited for
the new chapter of her life, I am selfish, and don’t want her to
go. But, you can bet that I’ll be watching the airlines for those
special extra-cheap flights to Phoenix, and can’t wait to see her NEW craft
room, and witness her new start in life.
Yes, things are
constantly changing, and I am reminded to never take for granted that my
friends and family will always be close to me, and to make every minute
count. DJ, it’s been far too long since we’ve had coffee on
the deck. Brew up a fresh pot. I’m coming over!!
