Everything will change..

I had the sudden realization this evening that in about 6 more months we are going to be making some really big changes in our lives. Retiring from the military is just the beginning of the change to come. 

I guess it started at the kids dentist appointment when I scheduled their next check-up for June. I told the receptionist that it would be our last appointment. Wow, we will be starting all over with dentists, doctors, school, neighbors, and swimming/gymnastics lessons. From this point on we have so many "lasts" in Hawaii, which has been home for the past 5 years. Last week was our last Thanksgiving here. Soon will be our last Christmas here. You get the idea. :) 

Now, granted we have much familiarity that we will be coming home to-church, shopping, restaurants, and of course our family. But, I began to wonder, will it really be the same? I called my parents tonight and left a message on their home phone. Then I gave mom's cell phone a try. She answered that and said they were actually at home playing dominos with two other couples. Couples that are probably closer to my age than theirs! I think I was actually a little hurt that they chose to ignore my phone call because they were having fun at that moment. (Don't worry Mom, I'm over it now! **Can you believe my mom called me right after I typed that sentence? She is so awesome!)   I don't think I expected everyone we left 5 years ago to sit around staring at the calendar, counting the days until our return. But, you just don't realize all the changes that have taken place in everyone's lives. Katie  was 14 when we left and pretty much always available to babysit for one thing. :) To be fair, we've changed too. The kids are more grown up and that puts us at a different place in our life too. 

I guess the bottom line is that moving back won't be like when we come to visit where everyone puts their normal life on hold to spend time with us. And, it won't be anything like us being 3 time zones away, only talking on the phone and mailing packages for birthdays. It will be somewhere in the middle, all of us living normal everyday lives, but getting to make memories in the midst of the commonplace, mundane tasks of life. That is what sharing life with your family is all about. And I for one can't wait! :)