A few random thoughts as I leave what's behind and go forward...

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." ~ Dr. Seuss

Good memories are a treasure for the heart to keep warm and cuddle with. Good memories encourage us when life can be rude, and can be the teddy bear that makes us feel safe and secure. It's good memories that travel with us like a blanket which we can wrap ourselves in when uncertainty frowns in our face.

It's the good memories I take with me as I enter this new adventure and leave the place where I thought I'd be for the rest of my life. I've learned so much during the past few years about how to love and care for people, and I'm grateful for the muscles built through the workouts I endured. I feel peace - anticipation - because I know the road ahead is waiting. I'm ready to go!

I take joy in where I've been, what I've learned, and how I've grown, and I look forward to where I'm going. And it all... starts... now...

There's something about a morning...

No matter how destructive the events of a day may have been;

while the effects may linger, the freshness of a new day brings

the margin of hope.

Indeed, 

joy comes in the morning

and 

- with it -

renewal,

strength,

and a sense that yes, 

I CAN

I CHOOSE TO

I WILL

 pick up the pieces and 

move forward.

It's the dawn of a new day.

No matter what 

plans-

hopes-

goals-

were

halted-

ended-

dashed.

Yesterday was. Today is.

It's time to take the experience, forgive where needed, and move forward; 

not forgetting but, instead, 

choosing to remember 

and grow stronger through it because

God's timing is perfect-

His mercy is great-

and His grace is sufficient.

Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened. ~ Dr. Seuss