Wednesday's Simple Joys

I am not a change person. Never have been.

As a junior in high school, I informed my parents that I would not be going to college.

"Really?," they asked, probably much calmer than they felt.

"And what is your plan, then?"

To which I replied, "To be a high school student and live with you forever."

I was totally serious.

My whole life, I have been a homebody and we are a very tight knit family. I had great friends in high school and informed even my dear high school counselor, Ms. Waldrop, that I didn't need new ones. The thought of moving away from home completely overwhelmed me and frankly scared the shit out of me.

After realizing that my friends were not going to be in high school with me anymore; and that probably, living with my parents for the rest of my life was not very productive, and let's be honest, a little, well a lot, of counseling with Ms. Waldrop, I decided first, to go to a local university and then by the start of my senior year finally decided on a small private college 45 minutes from my home town.

In the months, weeks and days that led up to my moving to my new “home” for the next four years I dreaded the ending of my childhood. Dreaded leaving home. Dreaded the entire experience of college. And the tears. There are not words to describe the tears that were shed.

We are talking breakdowns:

In Bed Bath and Beyond. Yes, in the middle of the towel aisle while shopping for my dorm room, no less. My sister was probably mortified.

In the kitchen during “one of my last meals EVER at home” (because I would never be back…I was so dramatic),

And don’t even get me started with the day I moved to college when I begged my parents to “please not leave me there.” (because it was soooo terrible)

It was a tough time. And my poor family. There is a special place in heaven for them for putting up with me that year…

Somewhere in the middle of all that “emotional turmoil” my Sweet Aunt Jan gave me this little decorative plaque that she had for years. You will notice the scratches and marks on it. It has lived a good life. After all, it as survived four different dorm rooms and a move here to my little red cottage (it might as well be 80 years old).

And through all of that, the message stayed the same;

“You cannot discover new oceans—
unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

The plaque now hangs above Daddy’s old desk in my little red cottage, with letters from dear family and friends hanging above it. I look at it every morning. And when I do, I remember when Aunt Jan gave it to me. She gave me a hug and whispered “always remember this Meghan Baby.”

Aunt Jan (and Momma and Daddy and Hannah and yes, even Ms. Waldrop);

I do remember.

Wishing you the simple joy of a daily “life lesson reminder”-
~M~