Miles Between....

It's not easy being separated from loved ones. Yet we seem to do that often in our lives, don't we? The past week has been a true example of that yet again. Last week, our son began another year in high school. It doesn't seem like his summer lasted more than a few weeks. So as wonderful as the opportunities are there, I wasn't ready for him to return to school. He has quite a schedule this year with pre-college and advanced courses, marching band, concert band, driving, etc.. I'm sure a job search is just around the corner for him, too. So life continues with great blessings and then some major adjustments, as well.

Yesterday we moved our daughter back to the university. That wasn't easy, either. She was very excited to return to her friends, classes, concert choir, a new dorm room, etc.. And she is working two jobs this year. So she's going to be a busy young lady. We're also excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for her. But again...there are miles between us and that's not always easy. As I told her last night, at least we're less than two hours away from her. It could be much worse. And we are very thankful for that. But the Mom's heart in me knows that life is very blessed yet always changing.

As we've watched the Olympics on tv, I can't help but wonder about another special part of our family. Viewing the scenes from China has been exciting, interesting and encouraging. Yet it also brings that ache in a Mom's heart for our precious baby girl/s we long to see...and hold...and love. We miss our baby girl/s so much. I don't travel as much as I used to but seeing the scenes from China gets me more excited about going there to meet our daughter/s. It will be the journey of a lifetime, no doubt. China is her home country and will always be a part of our family so that makes it special to us! And the miles between us seem great now...but will eventually bring us together.

So it's a sentimental time in our home for many reasons. It's much too quiet here...for now. :) Our children are back in school. Our baby girl/s are halfway around the world. And I long for us all to be together....again...and for the first time. But one thing I remember is that no matter how many miles separate us from loved ones...it doesn't change the love in our hearts except it makes it stronger.

Have a great new school year, Rachel and Micah. We're proud of you. Hold on, dear baby girl/s...we are moving closer to you each day. Someday soon, we'll all be together as the family we already cherish so dearly.
Loving across the miles,
Terri and family