For me, it's a phrase that held little meaning or emotion until today. Today it brings a surprisingly bitter connotation with it. Today it means I'm leaving my home, my family, my friends and going into the uncharted waters of college on my own.
It's hard to put into words what I'm feeling right now. But I think the phrase "sweet sorrow" would be the most accurate depiction of all the emotions currently rushing through my body. As I'm sitting here, on the plane that takes me further and further away from my childhood, I feel sorrow at having to say farewell to the comfort of familiarity. At the same time, I feel the sweet rush of excitement at all the surprises I have yet to encounter. I have no way of predicting all that is to come about in the next few years of my life. BUT! I do know I have no reason to fear, for I have a God who promises to protect me in ANY circumstance, who promises He has a plan for me, who promises that no matter what, He will always be there to love and hold me.
No words do justice to express how grateful I am for the past four years I've spent in Ohio. Upon first stepping foot in an unfamiliar state, I knew at once I would absolutely despise it. Or so I thought. The past four years have proved that it's anything but hatred I feel towards the land of corn. The numerous people I have met and the countless experiences I have undergone during my time in Ohio have changed my life in ways I never thought it could. I found passion. I found Jeni's ice cream. But above all else, I found love from a community that truly knows the meaning of unconditional love. That's what makes leaving Ohio the hardest. In fact, that's what makes leaving anywhere the hardest. Leaving the arms of people you love and care about is about as easy as scoring a perfect on the ACT*. But there is relief in knowing you will always have the memories to look back on. So thank you Ohio. Thank you for being the dream come true I never knew I wanted.
Here's to page one of the next chapter!
~jo
*note the sarcasm. Also note that the ACT's difficulty level differs for everyone.
