The winds of change

Yesterday it was a sunny and warm. But it was very windy. Change was in the air. Today it was rainy and overcast and still very windy. Our neighbors across the street have been painting their house bright blue from a faded pea green to spruce their place up for a graduation party this weekend.

A phone call today brought the final word about Cliff's deployment date to the Middle East. He is flying out on June 22 to wherever his training is going to be held. Then about a month later he flies overseas. It is tough news to swallow, but at least we were warned far in advance.

It didn't surprise me that about an hour after we got the news a large branch in our front yard snapped to the ground. It almost symbolizes my heart falling to the ground. But we will make it and maybe he won't be gone a year. The kids and I will grow closer and we will make our own adventures. I will get a good cell phone with free incoming calls so Cliff can reach me no matter where I go. And I will look into getting Skype on our computer and Cliff is planning on getting a laptop as soon as he can, once he is settled overseas.

This time of year brings so many changes. Many of them are good changes like kids getting out of school, pools opening, swimming weather returning, lazy summer days, and more time with friends. I have a feeling my days of being at home in the afternoon to watch a school boy are ending soon too. He is moving out of state with his family.

Life is full of changes. They make me stronger and grateful for friends and family who will help comfort and care for me and my boys over the next year.

May the winds of change be kind to you all!!!