One Year Ago Tonight...

One year ago tonight, we said our last good-byes and our family, two dogs and two cats boarded a plane to start our new life in Belize.  This week has been one of reflection.  Belize to us started as a dream 11 years ago when be purchased land in as a place card for retirement, 1 year ago we made the move.

For the last few days I had planned to go through all the pictures we have taken, bringing us to this moment of "living the dream", but quite honestly I had a hesitation about bringing up all the memories and emotions of doing something I didn't think I was really capable of doing...saying good-bye and moving internationally.

It may sound exciting, even full of adventure, or just plain crazy to move to another country and another culture and start over.  But I can only tell you I am where I am today because of the love of my friends and family who held me together when I was falling apart; as my world was changing and there was no "stop" button.

What were the hardest part of the move?  The good-byes....

Colin hugging Opie good-bye

I said good-bye to my BFF and best smelling friend a girl could ever have...my horse Opie.  He is my ultimate secret keeper, the one who would always listen to my problems, the one whose eyes I would just gaze in and get lost in his soul.  He's enjoying the retirement life too, at a friends farm in Tennessee.  That good bye still brings tears to my eyes and an ache to my chest.  I hope to visit him someday.  He's 24 years old, and has some aging medical issues they are tending to.



Saying good-bye to my mom...we have become so close, she has been my biggest supporter and strength.  She knew if she had shed one tear in front of me or said "I don't want you to go", I would have stayed. Even in moments of my own fears when I would run to her, she stayed my strength, the one who pushed me to follow my dreams, my hero and the only reason I made it here.

My amazing friends who have taught me so much...you know who you are.  My coffee girls, and the deep talks we would have.  My gal pals who I could monkey face cry hysterically and would talk me through the roller-coaster ride of life.  My dock mates 2 slips down... you are both so close to my heart.  I cherish all the laughs and time we spent together.  My amazing friend on Desert Olive Court...I could never spend enough time with you, I hope my future holds as many friends for me as you have shoes.  Not least, is my "fun sized" neighbor and friend...the one who saw me through the whole move, let me borrow an air mattress, card table and chairs and fed us for our last two weeks and drove me to the airport, who gave me all the support a family could ever have.  It's easy to love a friend, but it is harder to "be" a friend.  You are an amazing friend. There were many more, all who have have a big part of my heart and my life and why I am who I am today.

Tomorrow will be a day of celebration for us and a day to reflect on all the awesome things we have experienced and the people who have been placed in our lives because of Belize.  Tonight I reflect on all the amazing people in my life who helped me get here.