I gave up coaching basketball. Something I have been passionate about for the past 9 or so years. I started coaching when my oldest was in Kindergarten and she is now going into 9th grade. I had recently established a couple of Zumba fitness classes at our local recreation center- and had to leave that, as well as a very fun neighborhood Zumba Fitness class and a lot of great neighbors!
Now- combine all of this with the fact that I was leaving some people I hold very dear to my heart- people I love. Add to that the fact that so were my family members and as you might know- a mother feels the pain her children feel...and I swear I felt every emotion they have had about this move right along with them.
We are also moving further from the family and friends we love in Ohio- which means less visits with them...this is yet another thing pulling at our heart strings!
On top of all of this- I have been a single parent of four girls and two dogs for 3 months. (My husband went on ahead of us to start his new job). Trying to keep all the regular things that go along with "normal life"as well as preparing for this move was definitely a challenge at times!
I am not complaining. I knew from the time we moved to our home in Illinois from our home in Canton, Ohio that we would be moving again. In fact, we thought we may only be in Chicago for a short 1 year to 18 months. With the economy taking a downward turn, we stayed for 3 yearsas Mark's company was not moving people into new positions for a while. I am simply saying all of this to say.....
At times, I have been a basket case. Crying. And crying. And crying. At times I have been a complete GRUMP. At times, I have been reclusive and wanted nothing from no one. My emotions have been all over the place and sometimes very ugly. I certainly haven't felt quite like my normal self. I have not had the patience and cheer and joy and love that I seem to normally have quite easily.
It was when I threw my keys into a dumpster along with our trash somewhere in Nebraska and on our way to Colorado that something occurred to me. The dumpster stank! The keys went right to the bottom...I could see them- but there was no way to reach them without diving in after them. It wasn't pretty!
That is when my 3rd daughter smiled and said, "Sure, I will get them..."and with a smile on her face, she went in, grabbed them and came out! I have thought about that over and over the past couple days.
It reminded me of other loved ones in my life- and how they dive right in with me - sometimes without me- when things are going bad and they stink and they smile and say "Sure!" It is through these times in life when things can get ugly- when IIIII can get ugly and IIII stink - that I most see and feel the love of those who choose to ignore the stench and be there with me and for me!
It reminds me and inspires me to be that kind of person- to have that kind of selfless love for those in my life who need that smile and willingness to dive into the stink of the dumpster!
