I have just an hour and a half before I leave Jacksonville headed back to San Antonio. I've just said my goodbyes to my best friend and her youngest and in a few minutes her sister, my sister, Rachel will be taking me to the airport.
I've never cared for goodbyes, most people don't, but I've managed to power through them with little difficulty. This trip however is proving to be more difficult. Maybe it's hormones. Or maybe it's because these people are truly like my family. The beach is my second home. Jacksonville has always represented so many things in my life over the years. And as I sit here and think about it now, it's always been a major mile marker. I changed and grew up so much while I lived here, I came back here the day I had the carpet pulled from under me in 2002, I came back here while recovering from heartbreak, I came here and celebrated my best friend's wedding, I came here and sat on the beach before going home to make a major life decision. This place has been a turning point place.
I don't know that this trip is in the midst of a turning point or if it means one is coming. Maybe it's just an overdue visit. But I do know it has a special hold on my heart and the people here are people that I can't even find the words to say how much I love them.
I hate tears. I hate goodbyes. But, I suppose for today I'll embrace both, and I'll look forward to whatever is heading my way.
