Sometimes it still hurts

To see things from this side of things.
To remember the joy and excitement of helping them along and coaching them into new things and challenging them to keep on going.
To know that this was my calling, my truly "meant to be," and I had to let it go.

I yearn to be a part of it every day. I miss the hugs, the smiles, even the whines. I miss the chance to meet the new teens and to help them along the way to their dreams. *sigh* Yes, it still hurts to have walked away from this part of my own little dream.

But it also makes me smile inside to see the teens I did "touch" grow and stretch and make their way. To hear them get excited about the road ahead, and to have them say "Thank You!" and light up when they see me. THAT is the stuff of dreams.

For now, I'll have to pour all that energy into my own little one, and hope I'll find a way back one day.