Change Is Not Easy

My son, Sam, had been playing soccer with the same coach and
     some of the same kids since he was old enough to kick a soccer ball.  

That is why, at thirteen, making the decision to leave his team was such a difficult one.

He had progressed as much as he could, and in order for him to continue developing
     as a player, it was time for him to move on.   

So, on to a new group of boys, new coaches - a new philosophy.  


The practices are more frequent, for longer durations, farther away, and later at night.

At the end of the third practice, a roster is announced and, after all of that hard work,
     my son's name may or may not be on it.

So far, it has been a test of skill, hard work, and dedication.

But, so far (for my son),
                     . . .  a test of patience and heart.      

Change is not easy.  

Change can be hard.     

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 Recently, my partner and I went to one of our favorite restaurants,
     with our favorite ambiance, favorite wait staff . . . favorite food. 

It was a beautiful summer's eve - perfect for having a meal on their outdoor patio.

But, the patio was full.

That's okay, we thought,
     we love sitting in their quaint little "beer room",
where their awesome collection of Belgian beers are stored.


     "The beer room is closed," said the hostess (whom we did not know).
                     "We only open it when we have a full house."

     "Oh."    

So, we sat in the other room, with a waiter (whom we did not know).

And, to him, we were just strangers, sitting down for a meal. 

My partner and I make friends easily, but it just wasn't the same.

All new faces and personalities. 
     
Before, everything just clicked.

Now, it was more . . . work.  


Our waiter did not know our names, or what kind of beer to recommend.

When I ordered a beer, it was not cold,
     our appetizer was not very hot, and my meal was too salty.    


     "Business has been doing great!" said one of the owners.    

And, my partner and I couldn't be more happy for them.   

But, for us, it may never be the same.  

     Change is not easy.

     Change can be hard.


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 A friend of mine recently mentioned,
      "Sometimes, you just can't go home again" (thank you, Jill).   


And, I guess that's what it's really about.



Because, home is where we feel safe.

Home is where we feel special.

And, home is where we can usually count on things NOT changing.

Until, one day, it does.