I knew that the treasures stored away in the family attic were hardly without webs, and critters, and dust… perhaps that’s putting it nicely. The thing about the treasures in the attic, is that they aren't all just physical dust and decay. Some of these things hold memories of their own and have lived many years to tell a story.

The longer I’ve navigated the world, it seems the majority of people would rather stay silent than risk a little feather ruffling. Perhaps it is more of a spectrum than two poles, but being more in the “okay with confrontation” personality types, I’ve struggled for years over why so many shy away from it.

It was a particularly bad Tuesday, the start of a buzzing full week following many weeks of holidays and time off. A full moon, to boot, so the phones were ringing and the needs were coming in seemingly without a second thought. My dog had a scary incident that landed us in the emergency vet, leaving with little reassurance but not much of a diagnosis.

I’ve played the argument back and forth in my head for a long time now – do I make some kind of public statement, like this couple, or continue in my relative silence? Seeing that post – an announcement to fill the space where many wonder and wait to see – but not the one expected – provided the last fuel to get me to the finish line and put words to a small introduction to our story on this messy journey so far.

This year has been one of pondering. Of anticipating but not knowing. Learning to be present in the wait, keeping anxiety at bay.