The fear…the excitement…the unknown…all intertwining in my mind.  All the boxes tucked away in the Lindemann’s basement.  It almost feels like putting life on hold.  A movie that you pause so you can take a bathroom break.

The goodbyes and hugs are all over.

The last days spent with my loved ones passed.

No more pedicures with my mother-in-law.  No more skiing with my brother and sister-in-law.  No more spending every precious minute with my loved one.

 My face shaved clean just for a jungle to form again.  All is left is walking on the airplane and holding my breath for the breathtaking views, the new memories to be etched, and the friends to be met.  A new chapter is forming.  The Appalachian Trail is awaiting. Calling my name.