I'm not exactly sure whose idea it was to put a cow hiding behind France on the redesigned Monoprix milkbox, but if I ever meet them I will thank them for the illustration for today's post.
I keep expecting to have a (series of) massive breakdown(s) once the realization sets in that we're leaving France in about seven months. I figure it's inevitable that one fine day I'll just lose it over the fact that this stage of our life - all our 'firsts' - is coming to an end. (Leave it to me, the organizer, to attempt to predict when this wave of emotion will hit so that I can be sure work is under control and the apartment is clean first...)
Or maybe it won't hit. Maybe our excitement for the next stage will carry me through the grieving over the end of this one. Maybe it'll be a gradual and easy transition. One night I'll sit down on our incredibly threadbare couch, holding my favorite mug, watching Jonathan type away at his mémoire, listening to the hum of the space heater while I wait for the pear tarte I decided was a good idea to make at 9:45pm... and I'll think how thankful I am, and also how ready I am.
There are still things I want to do and experience in Lyon, some for the first time and some one last time. (Don't worry - I made a list of them.) As excited as we are for the next step, we're going to be milkin' France for all its worth these last seven months!
I keep expecting to have a (series of) massive breakdown(s) once the realization sets in that we're leaving France in about seven months. I figure it's inevitable that one fine day I'll just lose it over the fact that this stage of our life - all our 'firsts' - is coming to an end. (Leave it to me, the organizer, to attempt to predict when this wave of emotion will hit so that I can be sure work is under control and the apartment is clean first...)
Or maybe it won't hit. Maybe our excitement for the next stage will carry me through the grieving over the end of this one. Maybe it'll be a gradual and easy transition. One night I'll sit down on our incredibly threadbare couch, holding my favorite mug, watching Jonathan type away at his mémoire, listening to the hum of the space heater while I wait for the pear tarte I decided was a good idea to make at 9:45pm... and I'll think how thankful I am, and also how ready I am.
There are still things I want to do and experience in Lyon, some for the first time and some one last time. (Don't worry - I made a list of them.) As excited as we are for the next step, we're going to be milkin' France for all its worth these last seven months!
10 comments:
Ok you had my back now I've got yours.
on just the tiniest of scales... i understand...
XOXOXOXOXOX
with inklings and rumors of a 2 week return..praying that i might return w/my beloved... to see what i miss so dearly...because it simply WAS too short ...went too quick..was soo lovely...
drink deeply.. eat fully, breath, look, love passionately, and enjoy every moment... to the fullest!!
you are LOVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
every step will continue to be an adventure!
:)
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Wow, that photo really did go with the post.
I love this because, one, the writing is great and it's very easy to feel what you feel and see what you see. But two, I can sort of relate with all the moving we've done. It's sad to leave all the firsts behind, but the fun thing about moving on is that there are always more firsts to be had :)
I hope eating some Japanese food is on the list!
Wonderful post.
I don't think I ever wrote this out. So if you don't mind...when our season in Maryville ended (I know leaving a state is not as dramatic as leaving a country - but it was where we had all our firsts as a married couple - and with the differences between the north and south it's basically like moving to another country...)
Anywhoo...our last year there I really feel like I soaked up every moment - every pretty day, every time with a friend, every fun thing, every quiet night in our house... I really crave closure, so it was helpful to spread it out. And I wasn't sad, just thankful to be able to enjoy it all. Then towards the end it was so stressful I didn't have the time to be sad, and then right before we left I was really sad and cried a lot. And then we got here and I was so relieved for the transition to be over it was really peaceful. Then after a few weeks the reality of being someplace new hit and it was rough for a little while. And now...we miss Maryville because it was home for 5 years, but we're settling into our home for this season.
WAY to long for a comment...my thoughts on the matter :)
Love you.
i loved your comments at the end of the second paragraph...wanting to determine when the emotions will hit so everything is in its place for the onslaught. we are alike in that way, wanting to make sure everything is accounted for and tied up with bow.
i'm loving reading your thoughts as you all prepare for this transition, it's beautiful and transparent.
Next stages are always cause for pondering - the unknown can be simultaneously scary & exciting. It's important to make the most of every moment in every stage and to NOT LOOK BACK because that part is done and we only move forward. Though some may argue, we do not stand still. Enjoy both your current & coming adventures, J et K.
Dee
It's interesting to see this perspective. I'm always so excited and ready for the next thing that I rarely look back. I've only moved cities/states three times and except for the teenage one with my parents that was completely traumatic, I've looked forward to them. I like change. I like new beginnings. But now that I've seen how you are relishing your experience in France and its final days, I'm wondering if there's something I missed in all my looking forward.
I suspect that the excitement of starting a new life in Senegal will trump sadness of leaving Lyon! Hope we can have you guys over to our place some time before you leave...Vietnamese New Year is coming up and am scheming a sort of pierogies party!
I've been reading your blog since the first year you moved to Lyon. But I mainly comment on your food blog. I enjoyed reading your about your life and experience here. I know you will definetly miss Lyon but looking forward to where God will take you next.
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