Monday, October 08, 2012

Are you living your life?

My best friend's uncle died Friday morning. When my husband called to tell me when the viewing would be,  I pushed aside all our plans. Last night we stood in line to offer condolences to a widow we've never met. But our never meeting didn't mean we hadn't heard her story--how she'd brought her husband home to die, refusing to put him in a nursing home. I knew all about her.

That's how it is being back home in this small town. Everyone knows your story.

And that's okay.

I went into the bank with a deposit last week. The teller looked at my deposit slip and said, "Curt's supposed to be living in Florida." I soon discovered she'd graduated with my husband and he'd done work on her home.

It's a small town.

I used to think I wanted to be anonymous. I wanted to do what I wanted when I wanted without anyone  knowing.

After twelve years of living anonymously, I realize how foolish my desires were. I love walking down the street and running into someone who knows me. I love waving at my new neighbor who offered to let us store our lawn mower in her shed. I really enjoy the unexpected pleasure of meeting a long lost friend in front of the local Wal Mart and sharing prayer requests.

But most of all, I love how the people here care about each other. We arrived at the funeral home at 5PM, the time it started. Already cars filled the parking lot and the line filed out the door. I couldn't help but remember the last funeral we attended in 2005 for my brother-in-law. We shook hands and hugged for hours.

And we left this?

I am no longer standing on the sidelines of life. Today I can say I'm living it again. Are you?




23 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm getting better about it - not nearly as reclused as I have been.

I'm glad you are finding your way and your place and finding peace and friendship and serenity. *smiling*

Susan Roux said...

So happy to hear this was a great move for you. Perhaps a twist on your own life journey will be the inspiration for your next novel???

I was the first in our family tree to leave our town. I understand the feeling of wanting to leave and spread your wings. I'm glad you found comfort returning.

Jessica Nelson said...

I love this!! I try to live my life more but I'll admit that more often than not I've been a hide-in-my-house sideline girl.
It sounds like you're settling in wonderfully. :-)

Karen Lange said...

I'm working on it. :) The Lord has been teaching me a lot lately. So glad you are living again. :)

Jennifer Shirk said...

That's wonderful, Terri. I live in a fairly small town and I do love that feeling of community. So happy you have that again!

Great Grandma Lin said...

sometimes it's easier to be a recluse but it's very lonely.

Cindy R. Wilson said...

I love this, Terri! And I'm happy for you. I wanted to be anonymous, too, for many years. In fact, there are times I still want this. But I'm learning and growing and realizing there's a balance and it's a healthy one for me.

Rhonda Schrock said...

I'm thrilled to hear this, Terri. Sounds like your hearts have come home.

Mine rejoices. :)

Susan said...

Absolutely, Terri. I am definitely living again, too. Back where it all began! Unbelievable. Makes me think of that story about someone going around the world to find treasure, then returning home and there it was! In his own backyard.

People are what matter in this life, places second. You are so right.

Susan

Loree Huebner said...

Terri, this is awesome! Funny how God puts you out there to realize that there is "No place like home".

I feel the same way. Life is too short. No more sidelines for me!

Nancy said...

I am so glad you are happy in your area. It sounds wonderful. So glad your writing is taking off, too.

I am living every day,right here, right now. Every day is special.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It's a special and wonderful thing to be able to say you're living again!

Trisha said...

Very touching post.
You are Blessed to be
back home.
Love and Prayers,
Trisha

Keli Gwyn said...

I sense your joy at being home, Terri. There's no better place to be, is there? I'm glad you're so happy.

Julie Jarnagin said...

I grew up in a tiny town. It's always fun to go home and remember what it's like being somewhere where everyone knows you.

Kenda Turner said...

Oh, what a neat post, Terri. Heartwarming to hear that going home is such a good fit after all you've been through. Living life? Hubby and I just had this conversation recently after reading Ann Voskamp's "One Thousand Gifts." Though we might be tempted to stay home and cocoon, we hope to fight the tendency when we get a chance to get out and do something new :-)

Sally said...

I'm working on finding that new adventure, it's not moving home but maybe moving on. I went home last week, to visit mom and dad, and it is always a hoot to be in the old stomping grounds. Seeing old friends and deep family roots is truly a blessing. Happy to hear your blessings are raining down!

Jeanette Levellie said...

I love living in a small town, too, where people care and help. After most of my life in big cities, this is a great change. I do miss the restaurants...

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I'm best suited for small town living. That being said, we're currently living in the 4th largest city in NC. It's been a tough adjustment. When the small town comes calling again, I'll be ready to go.

So happy for you.

~elaine

Rachna Chhabria said...

I am working on it Terri, trying to live each day without anxiety and worries. Being grateful is a blessing.

Glad things are well with you.

Anonymous said...

That is excellent for you Terri. Sounds like you created deep connections when you first lived there and now twelve years later those connections still have solid roots! Your story is a testimony on how healthy community connections enlivens the spirit for life.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

I keep reminding myself that these are the good times. Mom and I are healthy, enjoy the company of family and friends, and are blessed to be in the family of God.

When I'm grateful, there's no room for self-pity or any other negative emotion.

Theresa Milstein said...

I guess there's good and bad with solitude and having everyone know you and your business. As years go by, what we need changes.

Glad to hear you're living again.