Foreshadowing is a literary device in which a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story. Foreshadowing often appears at the beginning of a story, or a chapter, and it helps the reader develop expectations about the upcoming events.
I believe we all have a purpose, a calling, an intention in this life. As I reflect on events in my life, I am able to make connections of when I had my first hint of my intent or purpose. Whether we recognize or honor our intent and purpose is part of our journey. Often, it is a long, winding journey filled with back roads and detours. However, once we focus on our purpose, the universe has a funny way of bringing together all the pieces and adding to our fulfillment.
As a child, I would play with my Barbie dolls or baby dolls and always the babies and children were adopted. I never wanted any part of pregnancy or giving birth. I remember telling my mom I would adopt a baby girl and she would be my best friend. It wasn’t just the ramblings of a child; it was a precursor to how I would build my family. It was the universe guiding me to my purpose.
When I was a teenager, I remember going to festivals, farmer’s markets, and art shows thinking to myself, “I would love to create something beautiful, useful and handmade. How awesome it would be to create something one of a kind and sell it. I could see myself being part of this and loving it.” At the time, I thought it was just my closet obsession with Martha Stewart and merely a pipe dream. However, now I know it was an inkling into my purpose and intent.
As a college student, I remember walking the farm property and being enamored with its beauty, its possibility. I remember sitting on the barn bridge watching the Canadian geese fly in and thinking I could live here the rest of my life and be perfectly happy. I remember discussing with my dad all the things I would love to do such as build a green house, plant an orchard, have a pumpkin patch, raise a variety of animals…none of which were goats. How ironic is that? My dad used to tell me that one day the farm would be mine and then I could do all those things. Again, it was foreshadowing as to what my life’s purpose was meant to be.
For many years, I dabbled in all things crafty. I loved interior design and architecture. I spent six years in college mastering my teachers craft. I moved away from home and the farm. I was adulting and doing what I thought I should be doing. For all those years, I thought I was fulfilling my purpose, meeting my goals, and living my best life. I loved teaching, I truly did. There was not a day I woke up and dreaded going to work. I loved my subject area, I adored my kids, I had some really interesting friends and co-workers. By all standards, I was living a good life and I was fulfilled. However, it never felt permanent. I always thought there would be a next level. At the time, I thought the next level would be teaching at a college level and that was my goal. As you may well know, our goals and our purpose are not always one.
Fast forward through life and changes occurred as they always do. I met The Bibbed Wonder, my dad became critically ill, I left my teaching position to help care for my dad, I lost my dad, we traveled the harried road of international adoption, we were gifted our Bean through private, local adoption, we moved several times, and finally, we landed here.
Landing here was not a smooth, trouble free transition. There have been heartbreaking but necessary changes to our family structure and dynamic. We spun our wheels for several years trying to figure out what we were going to do. We got sidetracked with Eric’s career and ultimately loss of his career. Things have a funny way of working themselves out, the path is not always clear and simple. Actually, at times it feels like one is forging a path through impossibly difficult terrain. Often, we come to a fork in the road and have to choose our path. We have been fortunate that the path we were guided to has been filled with love, support, and understanding.
I am at a point in my life where I feel like my purpose and intent is clear-ish. I am thrilled to be taking this journey with the partner and child for whom I was intended, on the place that was so dear to my dad, with a path filled with so many kind, good, genuine people. Every day I am reminded that when you make room in your life for good, positive, caring people the universe will fill any gaps caused my pain, heartache, and negativity. Many of you know who you are and please know there is not a day that goes by that I am not grateful and appreciative for what you have brought into my life. Some of the best people in the world use goat’s milk soap. How funny it is to think that goats, soap, and farmer’s markets would open up a treasure trove of goodness. The universe does indeed work in mysterious ways.
As you progress in your journey, stay safe, stay smart, enjoy your journey, and make sure you wash your hands well and frequently along the way.
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