Forward

Definition of FORWARD from Merriam-Webster:

4

: moving, tending, or leading toward a position in front.



Forward. That is the word I am choosing to define my life as of current. Two weeks ago Cara and I were married. This past Monday I carried my Grandpa Louie's casket to lay before a short, but fitting military service.

Today, as I end my last day of bereavement leave from work and prepare to head back to the world of 9-5 and bad coffee, I think forward. I now live forward.

Losing a loved one, no matter of their age, blood distance or cause of death, can always put things in a warm kind of focus. I say warm because it's not sharp. Sharp focus is reserved for times during our weeks when we need to perform a task and be very detail orientated or need to drive our cars in the nascar battle that is the Chicago expressways.

It's a warm focus because it is real. Warmth is something you can touch and experience and that is exactly what this type of experience forces you to focus on.

As I sit here at home writing this blog, my beautiful wife sits in her office and I know we are thinking the same thing.

Do we stay in Geneva? Sure, why not. It is an amazing area with virtually no crime and would be great for a family someday.

Do we move to somewhere else in Chicagoland? Sure, why not. I could be closer to work and we wouldn't feel like it would take us as long to get anywhere in or around the city.

Do we move to Ohio in what would be a move for Cara's career? Sure, why not. I'm still just entry level at my company and have no problem moving somewhere to help her out.

Do we just blow it all up and move down south? Sure, why not. Our dream is to live in the south, but is it too soon in our marriage and careers for us to just pack up and move down there?

Choices, lots of them. No matter the outcome, we move forward. And no matter where or what that is, we are there together. Always moving forward, always together. Without each other, moving forward would be more of slant. We would be a boat drifting in circles.

I am thankful and blessed to be in this wonderful journey of moving forward with such an amazing person.