[the circle] spring break: loss and reunion.

This month's theme for The Circle link-up hosted by Kiki from In Its Time is Spring Break Plans. As a teacher, I'm part of the minority of lucky adults who still get an official spring break, and mine is next week, so this prompt was very timely.

I haven't written about it on the blog yet, but we suffered a loss in our family earlier this month. Mr. Q's beloved Nana passed away peacefully after developing Altzheimers several years ago. I consider myself very lucky that I had the opportunity to meet and get to know Nana before the disease took hold and even share some time in her favorite place, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, on a family vacation. Due to the nature of Altzheimers we were able to grieve together when she still understood that she was ill, which was a unique experience, and it's so comforting to be certain that she is no longer suffering. She and her husband wrote out specific plans that made her wishes very clear. She did not want a funeral or memorial service; instead, she wanted a celebration of music with wine, music, and dancing - she even specified the songs she wanted us to sing! My Spring Break will begin on Friday evening with a celebration in Nana's honor. Since she loved the beach, we are going to have sand and seashells on the table and give her closest friend lighthouses from her collection. I'm sure that tears will be shed, but I know we'll feel a sense of closure. 

I'll also have the opportunity to reunite with my dearest college friends, my sisters from the Christian fellowship I was a member of (IVCF), over break. My beautiful graphic designer friend will be shaving her head (so bold!) for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, which supports research to find cures for childhood cancers. I can't wait to spend time with those girls - they always lift me up, and visiting Charlottesville will feel like a mini vacation even though it's only a few hours from home!

What are your Spring Break plans? Link up with us!