Precious Fleeting Moments

I know we're supposed to behave as adults. That means accepting the inevitable changes that come with life whether we like them or not. You would think that by now, I'd have this figured out. You would think that I could handle life's curves with grace and even look for the opportunity they might provide.

And sometimes, I can. But not always. Not when it comes to my friends moving far away. Two years ago, one of my two best friends moved to Texas. Yes, all the way to Texas! I did not like it then, and I do not like it now, not one bit. Since Celeste left, Lindsey and I have been able to visit her twice, but the last time was nearly a year ago. That is until this past weekend. Celeste came to Montana for a brief visit to attend her sister's high school graduation in Glendive. The day she flew back, she had about three hours to spend with us here in Billings.

Three hours. Precious fleeting moments. We all look happy in this picture, and we were. Truly. Happy to see each other after nearly a year. Happy to be together, even if only for a short time. Still, underneath those smiles were feelings of angst, sadness, longing. It was lovely to be together, but as each moment passed, we knew it was that much closer to the time we'd need to take Celeste to the airport and say goodbye yet again. The experience made Lindsey and me long to go to Texas. We would so love to be there when Celeste's fourth daughter is born next month. But we can't. For so many reasons, we just can't. And so the 180 minutes flew by, and she flew home.

After we left her and Molly at the airport, Lindsey's son Jase began to cry. Is that the right word? Scream? Some combination of cry and scream. "I want Celeste to come to my house right now," he exclaimed. Me too, Jase. Me too. His outburst was, in fact, the perfect reflection of everything I felt inside at that moment. I appreciate that he expressed it so well. Leave it to children to say what we cannot.

For the record and for future readers who may not recognize everyone in this photo, Celeste is on the left holding 2-year-old Molly. Lindsey is in the middle with 20-month-old Hanna. Then there's me with Lindsey's older daughter Emma. The photographer was 4-year-old Jase, and if you think it's a great picture, well he's a genius. Seriously.

We are adults, and we are to behave like adults. Change is inevitable. Blah, blah, blah.

Precious fleeting moments.