Spring

 It's rather poetic that most college students graduate in spring. 

After all, the season of change doesn't have to apply only towards the weather. 

Lots of things change in the spring. 

This year, rather dauntingly, it will be just about my entire life. 

Sure... there will always be that house in Harborcreek with grapes across the street. 

There will always be my family, no matter how far apart we are. 

There will always be a rather sassy orange kitty by my side. 

At least.... for the time being. 

However, as I sit here at 4pm on a random Monday, staring at job sites, things suddenly start to move very quickly. 

The static life I have gotten comfortable in. 

The city I have made home these past 4 years.

The friends I have known for just as long. 

All of this is simply here, at least physically, for the time being. 

No longer. 

No shorter. 

I have never loved the concept of spring. 

It's usually pretty cold and makes my allergies go wild.

I spend a lot of time unable to breathe. 

Then, the first warm day of the year hits. 

I go outside.

I take a deep breath and smile. 

Spring is much better when you're living in it. 

I have to believe that applies towards growing up and moving on.

In theory, it is kind of horrible and terrifying. 

It makes me feel like I can't breathe. 

Just like spring, one must hope this feeling improves once it actually happens. 

I started the journey that led me to this blog four years ago, in my first real spring. 

Graduating high school and starting fresh in a big city was more than terrifying, but I did it. 

Then, sophomore year I got cozy in autumn.

Things were slow and comfortable.

I felt like I was getting the hang of things and drifting nicely. 

Quietly, and quickly winter snuck up on me junior year. 

Life grew scary, with an air of death as the pandemic changed our lives. 

There were high points. 

There were many low points. 

Finally I am back in spring. 

This cycle will keep going. 

The seasons and years may feel long. 

They may feel short. 

Sometimes I will be able to take a deep breath and sometimes, I will feel like I am drowning. 

It would be silly to pretend as though I know what this cycle of spring will bring. 

I just hope that as my last name implies, I will be able to bloom. 

Lots of love, 

Sam Rose