...but she was on her way.

Christmas night, long after friends had gone home, dishes were put away and the kids were tucked into bed, I decided to open my Christmas gifts alone. Certainly I opened gifts from the kids earlier in the day – as they were anxious to see my reaction. Caroline couldn’t wait – she gave me a toy puppy that does back flips and barks. Yes, she insists it was for me! Ryan really couldn’t care less about my reaction – since he was buried in his new iPod Touch. His gift however, came with a lot of thought. It was a world coin collection from EPCOT. I assume he thought since I love to travel and I could always use more money - this was an ideal gift. Spot on!

But I decided that I would open the couple of remaining gifts alone. Funny how in previous years I would look forward to unwrapping these gifts – but not so much this year. For many reasons I suppose; but I truly do feel like I’ve already received so many gifts this year –none that could ever be wrapped or fit under a tree. But there was a box for me, and it was wrapped and it did fit under my tree. I really had no idea what it was – just that it was from one of my dearest friends.

And inside the box was a wood frame, with this beautiful and familiar quote:

“She wasn’t where she had been. She wasn’t where she was going…but she was on her way.”

I felt that familiar lump in my throat and once again the tears began to spill. My friend had read this quote a few months ago – and texted it to me. She said it reminded her of me. And I loved that.

It’s a loaded quote for sure. And I am certain anyone can apply it to some aspect of their life. I even feel like this with running and tri training. But I am sure my friend wasn’t thinking about running when she first read this. I know I wasn’t.

A quick Google search by another dear friend revealed a lengthier version of this quote:

“She wasn’t where she had been. She wasn’t where she was going…but she was on her way. And on her way she enjoyed food that wasn’t fast, friendships that held, hearts glowing, hearts breaking, smiles that caught tears, paths trudged and alleys skipped. And on her way she no longer looked for the answers, but held close the two things she knew for sure. One, if a day carried strength in the morning, peace in the evening, and a little joy in between, it was a good one…and two, you can live completely without complete understanding." ~ Jodi Hills

As I held the frame in one hand, and read the full quote online – my smile started to catch the tears.