They Can See It Too

Earlier today, I was on the phone with a colleague and friend discussing an upcoming business transaction.

I’ve worked with this person many times over many years. They were an integral part of helping me navigate a particular specialty during and after the landslide, but we hadn’t talked in a while.

They also knew about some of the deep personal pain and betrayal I experienced in my last relationship, while at the same time watching me carry an enormous amount of responsibility and weight for the school district and our community.

So, they knew.

As we were catching up on life, I mentioned that I’d just gotten back from dropping Jack and Desiree off at college.

They immediately jumped in to tell me how much they’d loved all the photos I’d shared on Facebook from my trip. They said the pictures were beautiful, but more importantly, I looked truly happy.

They told me it looked like I’d gotten my light back.

Then tonight, after the school board meeting, I was talking with another board member. She told me how much she’d loved seeing the photos from my trip too. She talked about the giant smile on my face in all of them and how excited she is to see what my life looks like after I’m done on the board.

And damn.

That means a lot to me.

Not because people like my smile or enjoyed my vacation pictures.

Because they can see the difference in me.

I’ve been feeling it for a while now. The release of so much of the pain and heaviness I was carrying. The return of my spark. My energy. My excitement. My light.

Me.

And apparently, it isn’t only something I can feel.

Other people can see it too.

That ain’t nothing.

It’s nice to have other people notice what I’ve already begun to know for myself.

I’m back.

Onward and upward, baby.

The view just keeps getting better from here.