Handprint on my Heart

This past weekend, I flew to St. Louis to spend the weekend with some of my nearest and dearest as we gathered to witness Nora marry her Knight. The wedding was stunningly beautiful, albeit a little chilly, set against a backdrop of waving wheat stocks, gently rolling green land and a bright blue sky. The wedding and details were all lovely examples of Nora’s personality and spirit. I was completely honored to be among those that Nora chose to have with her on her special day.

Lisa, Nilsa, Nora, myself and Becky

 Photo courtesy of Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks

In addition to the wedding, I logged lots of quality time with some of my favorite people. Some I had spent time with before, others I was meeting for the first time but it certainly didn’t feel that way. Instead, it felt like I was finally reunited with friends I hadn’t seen in far too long. I’ve struggled to find the words that this past weekend meant to me and each time I fall short of being able to properly express how I feel. What I do know is that my heart was completely full with gratitude and peace.

With Alli

 Photo Courtesy of Becky @ Love Everyday Life

Eight months ago, in the midst of a depression that made me feel as if the world was collapsing in around me, I wasn’t able to see the light at the end of the tunnel and I wasn’t sure when or if I would ever be really, truly happy ever again This weekend showed me that not only am I through that tunnel but there are far greater things ahead than behind, and that true happiness is absolutely possible once again.

 With Nilsa and Becky

Photo courtesy of Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks

One of my favorite musicals is the show, Wicked, a tale about unlikely friendships and the bond the two main characters share. The people I spent time with this weekend are people that I share an incredibly strong bond and connection with, they are also people who wouldn’t be in my life if it wasn’t for this little space on the internet. These people aren’t just my friends and confidants; they are my people, the ones who just get me without question. And I am better for having known them and cannot wait to spend time with each of them again.

Nothing exemplifies that better than the lyrics to the song “For Good.”

It well may be that we will never meet again,

In this life time, so let me say before we part 

So much of me is made of what I learned from you. 

You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart. 

And now whatever way our stories end

I know you have re-written mine, by being my friend. 

There were many moments this weekend where I just wanted to pause specific moments in time: watching Nora blink back tears as she recited her vows, laughing with Becky and Ben, conversing with Nilsa and Alli, watching Nilsa’s husband chase after their adorable son, Gavin. Those were the moments I may have gotten a little teary myself realizing just how amazing it was to be in that place, with those people and what a handprint each of them has left on my heart.