I put a date on my calendar to drive up to Cleveland to see an old friend of mine from back in my New York City days. Literally just wanted to get up there to give her a hug since she had been through so much at the end of last year. It was heartbreaking to see the toll her challenges had taken on her body yet so uplifting being able to spend quality one-on-one time and reminisce about our ‘glory days’.

The stories we exchanged about being young Ohioans literally packing up and leaving for the big city to see if we could ‘make it there‘ as they say. I often wonder why people’s paths cross in life. Who gets to play a role in who you become and why. May was definitely one of those defining people who entered my world during the start of our careers and continues to inspire and leave the kindest marks on my heart.

We drove over to a small village for a bit of fresh air. I had never been to Chagrin Falls before and it was such a treat. This village was named after the Native American meaning “clear waters”. May knows I love waterfalls and I was due. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve been out.

May also dragged me into some amazing boutiques along Main Street. She mentioned that when she was the Director of Fashion at the University, she brought her students here to get inspired and see what unique design is about. One of her students recently opened their own shop. You never know how you can redirect someone in a positive way just by being your true self.

May mentioned taking her son to that playground years ago. Our kids are growing up so fast and looking back on when they were little ones is so special.

I am officially an empty nester now. Sedona moved out into her own apartment and it creates such a different energy as a parent. Another level to the relationship, a healthy and beautiful step. As she and Zoe were cleaning out they came across an old digital camera we had. I’m sad sometimes that I didn’t have the opportunity to raise my kids during the time of easy access photos and videos. We had to have the full video equipment if you recall.

When they looked through the past photos that were taken and still alive on the camera, they found some old videos of themselves as kids, probably around 8 years old, filming each other and play acting. It literally melted my heart.

I finally feel awake after such a long funk. Getting back to blogging and recapping is such a joy and I’m happy to feel energized to do it again. Doctor changed a prescription, which did not say it had side effects of depression, but dang, I was definitely in it. Love this quote below which captures both my time with May and my memories of my twins as kids.