Changes

In an instant everything can change and sudden change is never easy for people. This summer, my husband and I drove back to Indiana for his ballooning career. He worked for his father's company and worked with his father on a daily basis. The plan was for him to fly through November and I would return to Elephant Butte, New Mexico in August for my teaching career. Then he was going to join me in New Mexico. That was the plan...but life doesn't always follow the plan. In July, my husband's father passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Grief over our family's loss and sudden financial insecurity rocked our world. He was out of work and my job would not begin until August. We stayed in Indiana until the beginning of August, taking comfort in our family and friends. We returned to Elephant Butte and I began work teaching in the district. Through the pain and chaos of losing our family member, I lost my grandfather. In times of absolute sadness, I am glad that our bodies function automatically. Our hearts continue to beat and we continue to breathe even when we feel that surrounding us must be an airless environment. In a new instant, my husband got a job flying balloons in Albuquerque and I interviewed for a few teaching jobs. I was offered a teaching job and we made the decision to move to Albuquerque. We found a one bedroom apartment, moved in our pets and belongings and began work. Sometimes I miss the quiet of our furnished lake house, but this move was best for our tiny family and a blessing. In our new home, I love the view of Albuquerque at night and the Sandia mountains at dusk. I love the visiting hummingbirds and being able to walk to a beautiful park and the grocery store. In an instant, everything changes...and all we can do is find beauty in everyday life, breathe, and be thankful for all that we have.