There are such moments in New England too, of course—birds and butterflies I have missed seeing and look forward to seeing again soon. Yet, now, here, in this present moment, I am appreciating Florida’s tropical uniqueness. The exotic flowers that bloom throughout the year, the palm and cypress trees, the multiplicity of water birds, the spectacular cloud formations and dramatic weather patterns. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t see something I’ve never seen before. What a gift! I’ve known this all along, but today, looking ahead to the leaving, I really know it.
So this is the greater lesson of being here—and, really, of being a human on planet Earth: Don’t take anything for granted. Always look at the world as if for the first, or last, time. Appreciate every moment, every beautiful detail of life and living. You may never pass this way again. You may never see a robin in the spring or a maple tree in the autumn. An orchid or hibiscus in full bloom. You may never see someone you love again. Look in their eyes and see their soul each time you are together. Look in the eyes of your animal companion and see their absolute love and devotion. Your time here on Earth is sacred.
I remember this as I look out the window or take my daily walks these final weeks in Florida. This is my life, every extraordinary unrepeatable second, the sadness as well as the joy. To be human is to be given a cornucopia of daily wonders. If I hold this truth in my heart each day, then I live with love and gratitude, and no moment, no experience, passes that I don’t fully appreciate. This is the gift that Florida has given me: I have been reminded once more to let go of everything that is not essential and see the world, every bit of it, as the blessing it truly is.
Spiritflower 
Hi Peggy.
What a beautiful message. Yes, “don’t take anything for granted” and try to look at the world with fresh eyes. It’s all about gratitude for what we are experiencing in each moment that we are here. I loved your post and will be sending the link for it to various friends around the USA.
Much love to you and Anne as this next chapter of your lives unfolds.
Lynn
Thank you, sweet Lynn. Love you, my friend! ❤
Thank you Lynn. There was so much going on, we didn’t get the chance to see you while in FL. Be well my friend! xoxoxo
Beautifully expressed Peggy. Very much how I felt leaving the magnificent Hawaii after more than twenty years. I was walking/seeing the beauty with you. Best of luck in Boston. I lived in Springfield Mass in the early seventies but had friends in Boston area.
Thank you, Deanna! I love Hawaii too–so much beauty in this world, everywhere! ❤
Welcome home, Peggy and Anne. Hope to see you after the pandemic.
Love,
Savanna
Thanks, Savanna! We want to see you then too! ❤
Thank you Savanna: would love to see you!
A beautiful article. Cherish the experiences and feelings of living!
Thank you Anne! ❤
I simply cried reading this article as it resonated with me so much, the sentence “There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t see something I’ve never seen before. What a gift! I’ve known this all along, but today, looking ahead to the leaving, I really know it. Although not a “snowbird”, I am one of those Canadians who has spent a lot of time in Florida. I think i was 6 years old the first time my parents drove south with me in the back seat. Many more visits followed until Florida became almost my second home. So reading your article and how you are leaving that beautiful state behind (for now), just really moved my heart. And you are so right, we never know when we are experiencing something for the last time – honestly, just wonderfully chosen words for your thoughts, as always. Wishing you the best of luck in this next stage of your journey, and thank you for your posts. Today your words expressed so closely what I have been feeling, I am truly moved.
Thank you so much Gabriella for your heartfelt moving response. I really appreciate your sharing your feelings and your very similar experience. And by the way, the first time I visited Florida (from Illinois) was with my parents when I was 6 years old, also backseat of the car! ❤
What a lovely article, Peggy! I was really moved by your words and thank you for the reminder to appreciate these moments we have with each other, to really see our beloveds souls, our animal companions devotion as we look in their eyes. I loved all the images of beautiful nature you presented and that are indeed, all around us, there for us all to witness and treasure.
Hope the next chapter in Boston is special, and love to you both!
TIffany
Thank you so much, Tiffany! Love to you too! Hope to see you at some point after COVID has passed through our lives. Have a lovely holiday! ❤
Thank you for your inspiring perspective and the good news to me that you will be back in the Boston area again.
Thanks Deb! Love your local art blogs–a real gift to everyone! ❤
Wonderful heartfelt post.
Thank you Geri! ❤