As you might be able to tell from the title, this post is going to be a bit sappy / cheesy / whatever word you want to use for someone expressing how grateful they are for the people in their life. So, if you’re not feeling it, you may want to step away now. You have been warned.
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I am completely amazed and humbled by the people I have in my life. Since making the move back to the South, I continue to be surprised by the generosity and love that surrounds me.
In most of the moves I’ve made, it’s been for my career, and often I find myself in cities where I know very few people, if anyone at all. Moving to Atlanta no was different, though I did know plenty of people at my work, and thankfully I have some pretty badass co-workers. But again, I found myself having to navigate a new city, a new dropzone and it was all a bit intimidating.
Thankfully, those who I considered good friends upon my arrival here have proved to be that, and so much more. A close friend and her husband have practically adopted me into their family. We take trips to the dog park (even our dogs are friends) and spend time at their house just shooting the shit. They have gone out of their way to help me get adjusted and I’m eternally grateful to have such generous friends who live right down the street from me.
I truly am blessed to be surrounded by good people day in and day out. I have a handful of amazing friends (which, if you know anything about me, you know that’s all I need to live a happy life, just a handful of people I can count on…it beats having 100 acquaintances that you’re not entirely sure would lend you had hand or an ear in a time of need) who continue to impress me with their love and support. Every week I see my bocce team which is a hodgepodge of different personalities, all of whom have stolen my heart in one way or the other and I not only look forward to our Wednesday games, but often crave the post-game team bonding over drinks and dinner.
And as for skydiving, I continue to be impressed with the community here in the South. So far I’ve only visited two local dropzones, but I’ve been more than welcomed at both and I get to take part in my first Sisters in Skydiving event this weekend at The Farm, which I know will be nothing shy of incredible.
That doesn’t change the fact that Skydive Chicago still holds a VERY special place in my heart. I am so grateful for the experiences I’ve had there – and the ones I will continue to have. Without Skydive Chicago and the amazing individuals I’ve made connections with, I’m not sure I’d have come back to the sport in full force after my hip injury. The community there lifted me up, showed me the way and reminded me of the pure passion I have for the sport. It really is my home DZ in my heart…I am counting down the days till I return for Summerfest!
After Summerfest I get to come back to the South and spend time with a dear friend that I feel so lucky to have known for the last year who will be moving hundreds of miles away to go back to school – but before that we will share some QT in her home town and I’ll get to soak up some of her amazingly positive energy before saying goodbye.
Lately I’ve been hearing from a lot of old friends, some I haven’t conversed with (aside from the occasional Facebook comment) in years, and it’s as if we picked up right where we left off. You know you’ve got true friends when so much time can pass and all you need is a simple phone call to spark the excitement that’s always surrounded the relationship. There are still some friends that I’m trying to wrangle a phone or Skype convo out of – ahem, Brandye, if you’re reading this, we must make this happen – but that’s been the unfortunate story of our post-college friendship that somehow works for us and we too are able to pick up right where we left off, usually with a 2 hour conversation to catch up!
Regardless of where in the world these people in my network reside, I feel the love on a daily basis and am beyond grateful. I often wonder what I did to deserve such wonderful individuals in my life – though I’m not going to spend too much time questioning it. I’d much rather spend that time enjoying their company, smiling and laughing along the way.
Love and blue skies!
Ashley
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