Melancholy Excitement

Next week will begin many “firsts” for us. We’ll be living in another country, learning a new language and culture, and dealing with embassies on a regular basis. We’ll be in a different climate and a different time zone.

This week we have run across several “lasts”; the last time we will be able to do certain things for a very long time. Things such as:

• ·         take a ride on a Washington State ferry,
• ·         see our granddaughter in person,
• ·         complain about being too cold,
• ·         drive on the right (hand) side of the road,
• ·         be able to read a menu,
• ·         go to an English-speaking church…

      the list goes on. Pretty much every activity now brings reflection on whether it will be our “last” for a while. It’s causing a condition I’m calling “melancholy excitement”.

This is something we’re been planning and looking forward to for a few years. And it’s a good thing. But it’s also a realization that life is changing. We’re saying goodbye to friends, but we’re also saying goodbye to a way of life. We’re saying goodbye to comfortable.

There’s exhilaration. It’s a new adventure. But there’s also sadness and closure. 

Melancholy excitement.