In less than three weeks, I’ll begin the journey back across the country to move home. This past month has brought tears and hugs and goodbye visits with friends who’ve become dear to me. I’m thrilled to be going home, but there’s plenty I’ll miss.
For the next few posts, I’ll be sharing a love letter to the river. The river has been my most constant companion in my time here, and whatever the season, it offers its gifts and treasures and delights without asking anything in return. Maybe the river appreciates that I take the time to stop and notice.
At the start of a bountiful rainy season in 2016
Spring lupines decorate the river bank (2016).
A quiet winter sunset
Whether rushing or gently rolling, the river always carries away some of my cares when I stand at its banks. For that, I am in its debt.
What are some of the things you miss from places you’ve lived before? Is there something where you live now that may be calling for a little bit of your heart?
The Flourishing Tree 
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“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”
― Heraclitus
Dear Hope – The love for your California life is apparent in the amazing photos that you send and the way you describe the beauty of the nature around you. Your are blessed to have made wonderful friends, as well. Im sure you will be missed terribly. You are not the same woman who stepped into the river several years ago as you began your new life there. Are some things that you feel differently about from the first time you were at this spot compared to now??? You have collected many wonderful memories and experiences to bring back home with you (or leave there if they were not so great) but mostly, your time there can be remembered fondly when you think of this beautiful spot that has brought you such solace. I’m so happy that it’s time to come dip your toes into a new river!! We’re waiting for you!! = )
Thanks, Jackie. I like the idea of collecting and carrying with me the wonderful memories and leaving here the ones I don’t need to bring back with me. And while I know home, like the river, has also changed, I’m excited about getting there. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!
I can really relate to this piece of your journey, Hope. We left Ohio to live in New York along the water for two years and it really became home with friends and community and attachments the seeped into our souls. I didn’t realize until we moved back to Ohio just how much I would miss New York – and especially the water. Even when you don’t take the time to walk its shore, it is there. Knowing it’s there and catching glimpses of it throughout the day offers small waves of peace that carry you through your day. I have other ways to find and cultivate peace here in Ohio but miss the constant of the water and the calm it brought me.
Hi, Alison — thanks for sharing your own love of the water. Isn’t it amazing the peace that water offers us? I find myself wondering what else I’ll miss that I don’t realize now but will know once I’m gone.
🙂 hugs
Back atcha!