Thursday, March 17, 2016
The Trailhead
Blair and some of her friends went to the Smoky Mountains for their spring break. Unfortunately, not everyone could make the trip but they had a great group of girls going. I was all for their destination choice because you just don't see many disturbing spring break documentaries filmed in the mountains.
This is her last spring break. She graduates in May and starts her first real job in June and, well, big girl jobs don't really do spring breaks. That's one of the major downsides of this thing called the real world. The job thing is all fun and games when you're first starting out until you realize you get 2 days for Christmas and work right through the summer. Bummer.
So, anyway, the girls are in the mountains shopping, hiking, cooking, climbing mountains, eating, antiquing, and sightseeing. I know they're laughing a lot. Probably watching movies. Staying up late. Sleeping in. And, by the looks of social media, they're taking a lot of pictures. But, I wonder if they're taking it all in. I mean, really appreciating this time for the precious thing that it is.
In just a couple of short months, they'll all start to scatter in several directions. They'll have different lives in different circles in different towns. Some of her friends are moving on to other colleges to pursue various degrees. Some will intern. Some will go to work. Some will stay where they are and finish up. Suffice it to say, it won't be like it is now.
Blair's been busy trying to build up her career wardrobe and pinning ideas for her new place. Like the rest of the girls, she's looking into living options and all the other possibilities that exist in her new, uncharted world. Everyone is excited to head out on the path toward their chosen dreams. The next stop on the road that leads to their calling.
By the time you reach those last semesters, you're usually ready for a change of pace. A change of scenery. I know I was. But, anytime there's a change of scenery, there also comes a change in the daily interactions you've come to enjoy. A change in the company you've kept. There's something serene about walking the same familiar ground and having your path start to show a little wear. There's something cozy about having your steps lead you to the same friendly faces each day. There's a comfort in that kind of familiarity and certainty. There's a warmth in that sort of reliability.
Oh, the next phase of their lives will be just as wonderful as this one. In life, it's hard to find a favorite part because each one has its own wonderful qualities. But, I bet that no matter where they go or how many years pass, they will look back to this time of life as one of their favorites to recall. It is the place where, together, they got ready to set out on their great, big journeys......separately. But, there's something special about the friends you make on the cusp of writing your own life story. And when they're many years down the path and the trailhead seems so far back in the distance, they'll see each other or hear those familiar voices on the phone and they'll feel the forgotten warmth of their youth. And smile.
Remembering what it was like to be young and full of dreams. Back when they were just starting out on the trail.
Y'all have a good weekend! I'm ready for it!
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love this, joni. i see it every year working at a university... the "i'm so ready to graduate!" sliding into "woah, wait. i really love this place - can i stay?" :) even though it's always the goal for them to graduate in 4 years, it's the part i love the least when they actually do. well, for most of them anyway. :) wishing the best to blair!
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, Tracey! Didn't realize you worked at a university. I think Blair is ready for a change of scenery but I know she'll be sad, too. Life takes a lot of big turns after college. It's a lot to adjust to but she's ready to get started. Thanks for the well wishes, Tracey!
DeleteThis makes me want to schedule a dinner with my group of friends from high school RIGHT NOW!!
ReplyDeleteI think you should, Carla! Me too :)
DeleteMy "college girls" are still my very best friends. We live across the United States now (from Virginia all the way to Washington State) but still strive to gather for one weekend each year. It's priceless! The five of us have so much history and depth and support ... I truly believe the cost of college was worth it, even if just for the lifelong friends.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to Blair as she branches into a new season and may she find that her friendships weather the changes, too.
PS - they are in my part of the world! I live just outside of the Smoky Mountains and there couldn't be a more wonderful place. Our weather has been perfect this week!
Oh, thank you for the well wishes, Missy June! The girls had the best time up your way. What a beautiful place to live! I hope she'll carry her friendships on through her life like you've been blessed to do. Such a wonderful thing!
DeleteFriendship is the cornerstone in life. Times when family is not there, etc. Make new friends, but keep the old ones, one is silver and the other gold. Wishing the best for your daughter, Blair and her friends in the game of life.
ReplyDeleteFamily and faith, along with her friends will make her journey more enjoyable:)
Kathleen in Az
Thank you, Kathleen! I appreciate the good wishes for Blair!
DeleteSo beautifully written. You have such a heart for your sweet girl and for where she is in life. I was there with my own "girl" and feel your pride and all those feelings!! Blessings on you and your family as you take another step.
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you, Anna. I'm a proud Mama for sure. She's never given us anything but joy. Can't wait to see where life takes her! Hope your "girl" is doing well, too. God bless.
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