Constant = Change

Looking back, my "circle" continually changes dramatically. In college, I finally found the words for it. I felt like a spiritual orphan. For various reasons, people would flow in and out of my life. Sometimes it was by death, sometimes because of wrong choices, sometimes moving, or sometimes, simply, change. Each step along the way, it was disheartening to have these dear people leave. These would be people that I respected, people that I admired. I cared for them; did they not care for me? Was I not important enough for them to stay? Was I a disappointment to their expectations? Did they even know how much it hurt me? And for whatever reason, it was time to let go.

Only now, at age 28, I am beginning to see that these encounters have prepared me for this day. I have come to treasure the relationships available to me in the present - perhaps for only a year or even for a single week. But I do not fear losing these connections because of all there that is to gain from each encounter in the mean time! How much I have already gained from these individuals!

I do anticipate that my relationships will continue to change, again and again. No doubt, it's hard to say, "good-bye," not knowing when we will meet again or in what capacity. But my heart has finally reached a point where, while knowing this, it is still strong. What an honor to have encountered the community that I have, from around the world, supporting me.