I have lived in the
Ozarks since August of 2003, and have yet to call it my home. There are aspects
of this area that I like and have come enjoy. I have a great church home, and
an amazing support system. I cannot put into words how my friends and family
have helped me grow over the years, I am truly blessed. Despite all the joys I
have experienced in the last nine years, there has always been something missing. I have struggled
to find the missing piece... until recently.
A week ago today, I was
soaking up the sunshine in my home state of Arizona. Being home and having my
oldest and dearest friends near me was absolutely wonderful. I was in
a state of bliss. I have missed Arizona, since the day I packed up my little red
car and made the journey to the show me state. I thought the feeling would
eventually go away as I made a life here in Missouri, but it has not gone away.
If anything is has only gotten worse. I truly miss Arizona EVERY DAY. I
miss the weather, my friends, the scenery, the culture... I could go on and on.
After four short days, I realized that the day I left Arizona not only did I
leave my best friends behind; I also left a piece of my heart.
When I boarded the plane
at the Springfield airport, I left behind snow and bitter
cold temperatures; headed to sunshine and clear blue skies. As I stepped
off the plane in Phoenix a feeling of relief came over me. I was relieved,
because I no longer felt like something was missing. Those four days flew by;
they were filled with laughter, love, friends, family an ample amount of good memories
made.
While there, I stayed
with my best friend and her family. We have been best friends for 17 years, and
although there are thousands of miles that separate us; we picked up
as if we see each other daily. I often joke she is my female soul mate....we
just "get" each other. We have seen each other through the roller
coaster we call life; the good, the bad and the ugly. I love her and her family
as if they were my my own, and in many ways they are. I am also blessed and
honored to call her daughter my god daughter!
We hosted a get together
at her house, which my girlfriends from school came to. We made the trip up the
hill to P-town for lunch with some friends. Although Prescott Valley and
Prescott have grown since I have been there; it is still the same place I once
called home. We visited the square, reminisced and enjoyed the
perfect weather. Prescott is without a doubt a beautiful place, which I did
not appreciate growing up; its beauty has such a calming effect.
We finished the day with margaritas and Mexican food, it was a
perfect day. We also participated in a memorial walk/run, made a couple of
Starbucks runs, chowed on a yummy breakfast with more family and it ended with a happily
ever after... at the Coach outlet. As corny as this may sound this trip back HOME was
exactly what the doctor had ordered. It was the chicken soup that my soul
needed.
As I boarded the plane
to come back to Missouri, tears of sadness were shed, but there were also tears
of joy. There is truly no place like home! Thank you Arizona for renewing and
refreshing my spirit, I desperately needed it. Also a special thank you to
Teresa, Justin and Khiya for welcoming me in their home with open arms. I love ALL of
my Arizona family and friends so much; you hold a special piece of my heart.
Until we meet again....
Love,
Amy
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