Then the Lights Came On

Being in a movie theater, after the movie comes to an end, it takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the light and my surroundings once again. The credits start to roll. The smell of popcorn lingers in the air as I step through the sticky aisle, bumping into the seats as I walk.

Suddenly, the doors to the theater open and I'm blinded by the reality of the light. I squint first and hesitantly walk towards the exit. By the time I'm outside, I suddenly acclimate myself to where I'm heading, with certainty.

That's been my life the last few months...almost two years to be exact. I have bumped into more walls, tripped over my mistakes and landed face first into consequences with a hard landing.

I have cried out to God so many times, He's probably lost count of just how many times I've yelled, "Help!" In fact, I'm sure he now realizes that my life is more drama and comedy than it is suspense and mystery.

I moved to Oregon as a leap of faith. Never had I done anything so gutsy...well...not so gutsy as leaving most of my stuff behind and taking only what I could bring in my little car. But, it felt right. Even now, I can't explain the effects its had on me. Unlike Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, I wake up with a smile on my face and tell myself, "You're not in California anymore, Simone."

The things I've missed the most, have been my daughter and son-in-law and their baby puppy, Sofie. I try hard not to think too hard on missing my twin sister. There is nothing I wouldn't give to hear her say, "We're moving out to Oregon!" Even that, I'm learning isn't an impossibility.

Yesterday, I was offered a full-time position with the company I was hired. It was going to possibly be 20 hours to start but not only did I hope but seriously WANT it to be full-time.

This has been what I've needed to know that I'm home in a place where I can soar, grow and love.

I don't look at this as the ending to my story but the beginning. With many sequels to come.

Thank you all for your words of encouragement, prayers, wishes, friendship and more. It means the world to me to know that I've never been on this roller coaster alone. Now, I'm heading back to the food counter for some Hot Tamales. Can't wait to see what's next!