That Familiar Calmness

 This morning, I woke up to rain and Claire and Nate's 

stuff packed at the foot of the stairs.  My heart sank.
I was running out the door to teach a community Barre3 class 

at a local elementary school and had to give quick hugs goodbye.  

I hate those kinds of goodbyes.

As I drove out our gate, I felt like crying.
I'm happy and sad, and everything all rolled up into one.
I miss her already, but I am so happy she is thriving in Arizona.  

And I am so happy that she has Nate.
When I got home later that evening, the sun was out and shining, 

and my Spring flowers were swaying in the wind under the glow of the sun. 

 I picked a huge bouquet and brought them inside.

They immediately brought me joy.

I got a text late at night (actually early morning) that 

Claire had landed safely in Arizona.
I sunk back into my bed next to Christian, who was sleeping peacefully, 

and felt that familiar calmness I was feeling over the weekend.  

I am so thankful he is such a steady in my life.

He's my best friend.