There are times in life when it is finally time to come completely out of the tunnel. There is always light at the end and the struggle to reach that end is eternal but there are some times when it is over and there is only to look back and laugh at the sorrows we've been tending.
In the blessed moments of peace and calm, and the coincident state of having an alert and open mind, one may observe the others who may not have reached the same place.
It is so important to practice the art of lifting and edifying those around us, for if we do not, it is nearly impossible to recognize that same uplifting support when received.
There is but one chapter left in this part of life and when the book closes, only joy at the experience of reading the story must remain.
As for the less cryptic and lighter side of life...
I am in Washington D.C. once again. There is a project to finish, which will take about two days, and then I will get to meet my niece for the first time. I haven’t seen my sister-in-law for a while, and I am so excited to see her too! Jason is spending some time in Georgia for training and will be there until October. I do miss him.
Amberly came from from her mission in Budapest on the 24th; it has been more than wonderful having her back. She has remained my closest friend for so much of my life, and the discussions I am able to share with her have only become more introspective and meaningful as the years have bestowed their ever welcome gifts of wisdom and experience on us both.
The new semester will start again on the 27th of August, and I look forward to it as usual. I enjoy school very much and I have even been accused of loving it more than is sensible or practical, but the truth is this: I enjoy anything I can do that is productive and fulfilling. I love what I do for work just as much as I enjoy living in the world of academia.
P.S. The dog is called Darth Vader. He lives at the range in Chantilly where I was finishing a project. He is the mascot for the Blue Ridge Arsenal in Chantilly.
