What exactly does this word mean to you? When looking the word up, this is what I came across: “When you anticipate something positive, your brain releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter of motivation and learning. Dopamine is not about the reward itself but the pursuit of it. The brain gets energized in the waiting, imagining, and preparing. Research shows that anticipation often brings more consistent happiness than the experience itself.”
I always looked forward to the holidays because that usually meant road trips and a chance to see family. For the longest time of my marriage, our vacations meant going to see family. We lived in one place, while our parents lived elsewhere. It really was the best of two worlds. My parents were in Tennessee, close to Dollywood, and in the scenic mountain area, while Mitch’s parents were living near the beach area of Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
How we divided our time was very easy, if you can imagine. Our summers, you’ll never guess. Yes, at the beach where the water was so beautiful and blue. The sand was white and felt so good between my toes. This was where my husband and I met, in my last year of high school. During the 4th of July, we would find our spot on the beach and watch the fireworks go off over the water from the boats. Seeing it through my children’s eyes was so magical. I’ll never forget it. Being on that blanket and listening to the waves while the kids would run in and out of the water or play in the sand. Oh, to be there now.
Continuing to Autumn, I’m sure you’ve guessed, we spent the colder months in Tennessee. The colors of the leaves were the prettiest golden tones one could ever imagine. It was easy to want to bask outside on a beautiful trail in nature. I always think of Anne, in the movie, Anne, as she walked to school in the Autumn on Prince Edward Island in Canada. She was surrounded by trees and leaves scattering everywhere as she toted her lunch box in hand with that long red hair she despised. If your mind can picture. It’s a great movie if you haven’t seen it. Then there was Dollywood, wow! Where everyone was so happy with their apple cider, and in my case, I had caramel apples. Can’t you just taste it?! The different exhibits were something to behold. There were candle making, wood carving, and beautiful paintings being finished in those fall colors. Of course, food, food, and more food! I loved the funnel cakes with the white powder on top that blew all over your clothing. Mom didn’t like it quite as much! And naturally, Dolly herself was as big as life with that ever-so-sweet voice. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
This was always my anticipation every year, until it wasn’t. We became empty nesters, and that changed everything. How I loved preparing for Easter, hiding the eggs, Halloween, going trick-or-treating, Christmas, and waiting for Santa’s arrival. I could go on and on. It’s become harder to anticipate anything now, being a widow. I do try to find something to look forward to, and that is where BEAUTY FROM ASHES comes in. We are a family of widows that stick together and spur one another on. So, when there is an opportunity to anticipate something and go somewhere, go for it because you never know if the opportunity will be there again.
Do it while you are still able!
Your friend in Christ,
Paula
