Those Days are Gone

We put the "hump" on the new car this morning in preparation for leaving on our big car trip tomorrow. When I came out to help I saw these old toys of Paul's tossed out on the drive and was struck with a sudden pang of sadness. We won't be needing these anymore. Those days of action heroes and Tonka trunks are long gone.

Today is also when my niece, Jennifer, and her family pack up their house and begin their move down to Richmond, Virginia. The days of having her so close by are gone as well.

Jen's husband's job is taking them to their new home, along with the appeal of lower-cost housing and great schools. Though we'll miss them, we're all happy for them as well, and they are excited about this big change. And though I occasionally miss the younger Paul, he is also filled with eager anticipation as he reaches his "tween" years. So I'll keep my nostalgia in its place, give it a few minutes of respect, but then let it go, making space for the more positive feelings associated with change.