Three years ago to the day, I arrived in Tennessee with a single suitcase. Today I leave with so much more. My heart is full and heavy at the same time. I'm so lucky to have had these experiences and grateful to have shared some of them on this blog.
Since then, my father passed away, my name has changed, I've moved three times, I had a job I enjoyed, and I left said job for the birth of my precious daughter.
My Tennessee journey is not over as I'm sure we will be back to visit many times. The adventures will continue into my new life in Texas. I can not express in words what my love for Tennessee is like, but I was able to spend time with my father here. I met my husband here. I grew my first garden here. I gave birth to my daughter here. I have learned more about love and letting go in the past three years than ever before.
I have made the most amazing friends in Nashville and back in East Tennessee. Most of them are like family to me now. I'm so lucky to have been given this adventure. I'm also lucky to have had my best friend Tyler and his amazing wife Stacy along with me in this journey. They have been so supportive for many years and I have enjoyed living so close to them.
I've said it several times before but never written the words. If I was going to have to lose my father to cancer, I'm grateful it happened the way it did. I was able to take time to be his caretaker and learn from him. I still hear his voice in my head. I know what he would say to me in certain situations. Yes, Dad I took my car in before the trip. They put air in my tires since things are just harder to do with a baby. I know he's proud of me. I feel him watching over my sweet family. I see him every time I look into my daughter's eyes.
I'm forever grateful for everything that has happened. I know if I hadn't gone through some of those things that weren't easy, I wouldn't be staring at my baby sleeping as I type this. Certainly not while my husband is back at what was our first home together, wrapping up with the movers. It all seems surreal still but I get to wake up to a smiling baby who makes my life and heart full.
So Tennessee, cheers to you as we drive away. You have been so good to me. I may have arrived here with one suitcase, but we're leaving as a new little family with a truck full of memories and baby and a banjo!
XOXO,
Girl Meets Tennessee
