Relating

This blog has nothing to do with the outdoors.


It's been a month. Over a month. What a long month it's been.
 
I guess I should apologize for falling off the face of the Earth when it comes to the blog. Fact is that I needed the break. Not because I don't love doing it or that I don't love you all who read it but because I've been in somewhat of a tailspin since my dad died.

Have you ever noticed that our society is not built to nurture relationships? We work and work and work and volunteer and have a million errands. We have homes to redecorate (ok, not me, but some people) and random tasks pulling us in every direction.We squeeze in coffee dates and quality time with those we love....if there's time in the midst of all the busy-ness. That's just kind of wrong.

Without anyone speaking a word, I returned from travel and dad's memorial services, feeling as if I was expected to hit the ground running. As if it should be no big deal to jump right back into work and social situations. Only, that's not the case and, in truth, I don't want it to be. If I were able to quickly recover from the loss of my FATHER, there would have been something seriously wrong with my commitment to that relationship while he was living.

We all come from different faith backgrounds and belief systems but it is my strong opinion that when we all go, the only lasting thing we ever get to "leave behind" are our relationships. The people we made time for, laughed, cried and planned adventures with. That's it. It's important to care about my work (I'm there too many hours not to) but really, I'm only preparing that work for someone to come after me. My apartment will not be my apartment forever. Someone will live there after me. So, why waste copious amounts of time in choosing the perfect pillow for the couch? It doesn't matter.

People matter. People. All of them. Treat them well. Listen to them. Make lots of time for knowing them and letting them know you. This little blog has meant a lot to me. A way to know and be known. I still think of great topics all of the time. I've just been making the time to enjoy the face-to-face company of others...and some time alone reflecting as well.

If you stick with me, I'll come around again. I really do love this forum and all of you real chicks...who are the people...the relationships...I do this all for anyway.