This morning my husband graciously gave me my final haircut before I depart on the 6am flight tomorrow. Despite best efforts to wipe down the counter, while brushing my teeth I noticed a few strands of hair left behind. How long will it take until traces of me disappear in my home? When will we finally be caught up in laundry and my last articles of clothing be placed to rest in the drawer until my return? (Honestly-- my bet is at least a month.)
This scenario reminded me of the BC adoption education classes Matt and I took 7 years ago (spoiler alert-- we never did adopt since they wouldn't let us so long as we kept having our own naturally-born children.) The social workers emphasized over and over that adoption is a process of loss. Loss of natural parents, loss of identity, loss of community. While I was empathetic to the realities of adoption and those very real feelings children must experience, my heart challenged this notion. At my core, I believe in good and trust and possibility. Just because the traces of me diminish in one location of the world does not mean I am not equally growing elsewhere. Watching the sun set yesterday, I thought of the time differences my family will experience. I reminded my kids at bedtime that while in India, I will have spent the whole day with the sun and will be sending it and all my love with it to them each morning. Traces of me may disappear at home, but I hope to fill that loss with something even greater.
6 Comments
Bill Hopkins
9/6/2017 08:34:39 am
There will always be a part of your in your home, after all the nurturing that you have done there, your are embedded in the very fabric of your house. Every part of the yard, and the neighborhood you deliver papers in...Enjoy your adventure...
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Ashley
9/6/2017 02:40:18 pm
I appreciate the support Bill! Keep an eye on the 'hood for me while I am away ;)
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Kathie
9/6/2017 10:47:08 am
Wonderful start to the blog. I look forward to reading about your adventure. Home is where your heart is no matter how far away you roam.
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Ashley
9/6/2017 02:41:09 pm
So true Kathie, though I may just grow a second heart while away <3
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Terri
9/6/2017 09:25:53 pm
Safe travels Ashley we will miss you <3 I will look forward to your posts & updates see when you return home
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Ashley
9/6/2017 09:43:20 pm
Love you so much! Looking forward to a great reunion in December.
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AuthorAshley J.E. Hull Archives
November 2017
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