the replacements

had a conversation yesterday. have been chewing on some thoughts as a result of said conversation. the little bit of profound i have concluded is this:

i don't think we ever replace those that are truly important to us. we grow. we change some. we mature. sometimes that means we move on to varying degrees. but those that have touched our lives stay with us somewhere. they've helped to shape us, set the standards, learn things about ourselves we might not have otherwise known. but when you truly love someone they do stay in your heart somewhere for always. sure others may follow. but like bringing a new pet into your family or someone remarrying after a spouse passes on--you hold the memories & start making new ones. we don't replace, we simply add. we only replace that which we didn't cherish in the first place.

kind of reminds me of that quote that i will need to paraphrase since i don't know it right off the top of my head: love is the only thing that grows as it is divided. =)

i hope your lives are rich with additions as you continue to hold dear those that came before.