Life is about to change again...

My first twenty four days back in the USA have been a fast blur of catching up with family, doctor's appointments, unpacking, getting a phone, and trying to squeeze in as much family time as possible with my parents.  It has been a special time, although it has been tinged with sadness.  At times, I've wondered if perhaps this is a better way to live life.  We have known, as much as we can know, how much time we will have to spend together.  Although unforeseeable events do happen, we have still had looming departure dates to remind us to cherish, to cuddle, and to love.  In each moment, we are trying to take mental pictures, to use every sense to make the memory last.  I want to learn to live like that even if there isn't a plane ticket in the future.

There have been a few actual pictures taken to keep the memories near and dear.  I was able to hold my cousin's newborn sweetie.  My dad got to feed his granddaughter her first bite of ice cream.  And I loved seeing the love that my aunt and uncle have for their tiny little granddaughter.

Now, once again, I'm sitting in a room filled with suitcases.  This time, I'm not the one who will be using them.  Instead, I have a different role to play, the more difficult role that my sister has fulfilled for all of us.  I'll be the one driving my parents, the one returning with an empty vehicle.  

My apartment will now be "my" apartment for the next three months, rather than "our" apartment.  I realized, with shock, that this will be the first time I have lived completely on my own.  I've house-sat on my own before, for one month, but this feels more permanent.  No family, no housemates, no roommates, not even a pet.  (I really, really wish I could bring my puppy to live with me, but there is a strict no pet policy.)  The picture isn't as dismal as I may make it sound.  I know quite a few people in the area, I have several new friends I'd like to get to know better, there is a sweet family living downstairs, and best of all, family is just around the corner.  I have this feeling that I'm about to be stretched just a little bit more, in a new direction.