just a little memory...

All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. ~Anatole France

I found this quote today and it brought to me a memory. I recall over the course of my life, leaving many stages of it to enter a new one. I don't know that I agree that we 'must die to one life before we can enter another' I think that we carry with us parts of ourselves, but I understand the statement. I remember the day that Aaron and I drove away from my parents' house. We had been married for one day. We needed to return there to pick up all of our gifts from the reception that was held there the night before. My parents had long since returned to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. They had had to have permission to attend our wedding. So in a sense, that part of my life, my loving and caring parents had already left me. But I still had my own leaving to do. We packed up our gifts. It was a warm September day. Aaron was driving and I had my window rolled down. There was just a hint of sweet fall in the air. It rushed in and surrounded us as we slowly rolled down the driveway. My sister, Allyson, came to the lawn's edge to say goodbye. I waved emphatically. Purposefully and intensely. I held back the tears that wanted to roll down my cheeks, to comfort me somehow. I ached as I died to that life. The childhood and dependence in me yearned stay, and yet, I was in love. Passionately so. Profoundly so. I wanted to be with my new husband more than anything else. I watched and waved until Allyson was gone from sight. I continued to look earnestly at my old home, my old life. Then, resolutely, turned in my seat and have never once longed for that life since. Now Aaron and I have OUR life together, and oh, what a beautiful life it has been!