The Easter Epiphany

This morning being Easter, my parents and I all did something special. They'd hidden some eggs around our living room, and as soon as I was downstairs we all went and I started to look for them. After that my mother and I went and did some baking, and I did some homework, before we left to go to the house of a family friend for Easter lunch.

When we got there, there were the requisite greetings before we settled down, and passed around a plate with small pieces of egg on it. The egg had been blessed the day before. It was at this moment that people began making toasts - to the year ahead, to family, to friendship, to promise to celebrate together again next year. And that's when it really hit me, for the first time. 

One year from now, I won't be here. I won't be spending Easter sitting around a big table with family and friends eating traditional Polish food. One year from now I will be halfway across the world, probably missing home. But at the same time there is so much that I will gain. Because one year from now, I won't be here. I will be spending Easter with a new family, new friends, in a new and wonderful place. One year from now I will be halfway across the world, already planning how to tell everyone about what is sure to be an amazing year.

I was on Instagram a minute or two ago, and I saw a post from a friend who is heading to India next year. I'd like to reduplicate it here, or at least the quote she used.

“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you.” - Winnie the Pooh


So… As hard as it is for me to accept the decision I have made, I know that it was the right decision. And although I'll be away from family and friends, I will never lose the knowledge that they are with me every step of the way.

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