Putting Together Life's Puzzle

Thursday, January 5, 2012

My Dear Old Neighbors

Emotions are flowing right now. Just going to warn you.

I got a phone call last week from my dear old neighbor, Mrs. Snow. She and her husband used to watch me and Dale everyday when we got off the school bus in elementary school. Our relationship with them is like that of grandparents. Dale would always mess around in Mr. Snow's half-acre garden or workshop while Mrs. Snow and I would watch Atlanta Braves games. It was the 'perfect' childhood scenario looking back on it.

She called to let me know her and Mr. Snow were now in assisted living, and not returning to their home in Brentwood. A piece of my heart sank. She asked me to bring Miller so that she could meet her.

Our visit today was lovely. Mrs. Snow (87 years old and rockin') and I got on my iphone, and caught up on all the bowl games. She was so excited to know that there are three more SEC teams left to play. We made note of when and what channel the games would be on in the next few nights. Mr. Snow has awfully bad alzheimer's disease, and sat there watching his favorite show for over an hour.

Then I walked out the door, and I finally let my guard down all while hiding in my 4-Runner with my baby girl.

I cried for a straight hour.

I miss my childhood, and I feel like everyone around me is falling apart.

The ones I looked up to and admired. Literally.

I called Jim at work while crying and simply said, "I don't want to get old."

It is such a scary and overwhelming thing.

My mind starts spinning about all of the things I want to do in this life. Am I even on the right path?

Breathe, Chelsea. I guess it is a good thing we go to Hawaii Saturday for three-and-a-half weeks. I need my annual January soul cleansing. #emotionallyexhaustedfromtheholidays.  #thankyougolfchannel.