It’s November 1st and I am listening to Christmas music. (It is officially allowed starting today!) We moved into our new home 4 days ago. As I sit on the floor surrounded by boxes and unpacking glasses and china, all boxed up for the last 15 months since we moved from Virginia, I am overcome with emotions of joy and gratitude and sadness all mixed together.

Maybe it’s the Christmas music that is making me nostalgic. Maybe I am especially missing my children who are all away serving their military commitment. Maybe it’s the midlife hormones. Memories of the years are passing through my mind like a movie highlight reel...leaving Jamaica, being a newlywed, moving with the Navy, raising children. Remembering that I first came to the States from Jamaica with all my belongings in one suitcase. Having such deep gratitude for home, family, memories. Realizing that the “things” aren’t the valuables...the memories and the journey and the meaning-making in the good and the tough times, realizing how resilience was built, how humility was earned, and how wisdom was gained…those are the valuables. I am blessed beyond measure. Not because life has been easy. On the contrary, because life has been hard, very hard at times. But I can look back and honestly say that so far I have gained much more than I lost. And I am only halfway through the journey. I have learned so much on the way and gained a priceless perspective that will undoubtedly serve me well in the second half.