Del Rio News Herald

(From 1997 until 2008, Jan Fenimore wrote a weekly column for the Del Rio News Herald called “The Awakening Heart”. She now resides with her family in southwest Ohio.)

It’s hard to leave a place that has left an indelible mark upon your soul.

This was true for me when I left Del Rio for the farmlands of the Midwest; for in the years I lived in Texas, my roots grew deep and strong.

Last August, we packed our belongings and began the long drive to Yellow Springs, where we would soon begin our next big adventure.

Even though I knew this move was meant to be, it was still painful to be apart from the land and the people I had grown to love so much.

In the time I walked amongst the mesquite and ceniza, I learned to trust that each line of my unfolding story calls me closer to realizing my full potential.

Every experience I had and every person I met during the twelve years I spent on the border gave me a gift that would assist me on my path.

For a season, I was allowed to live in the Lone Star State, and I will never forget it. That special time helped me immensely, and for this, I am grateful.

Through last summer’s transition, I realized that my Del Rio days had prepared me well for the next chapter in my life.

I find it meaningful that we went from the river to the springs, from Val Verde to Greene County, for this speaks to me of living waters and healing growth.

When I first heard of Yellow Springs, with its unique blend of arts, agriculture and academia, I knew deep inside that we had found our home.

Discovering this village of 3700 residents tucked into the rural landscape of Middle America was a nice surprise, and one that continues to delight us.

While I still miss my beloved Del Rio and all that it was for me, it is alongside “The Springs” that I am now firmly planted.

We Fenimores have settled comfortably into Ohio life, and the locals say they have trouble remembering that we haven’t been here our entire lives.

Personally, I’ve had a challenging year in many ways, and through it all, I’ve not only survived, but thrived.

There’s nothing like “ups” and “downs” to provide a healthy perspective on life. But thankfully, I’ve entered into a period that feels more peaceful and centered.

When you drive into Yellow Springs, you’ll find a sign welcoming visitors that says, “Find your self here”. For me, this has become the ultimate challenge.

The moment I read those words, I understood that I would be taught about healing from the inside out in this remarkable place.

I graciously accepted this invitation, even though I knew that the learning would take place through my own inner experience.

My most recent teacher recently arrived in the unlikely form of a small carcinoma that was found in my thyroid gland following surgery one month ago.

As the doctor explained her findings, I realized what a strange and wonderful blessing this mysterious visitor contained for me.

It’s impressive how something as unassuming as this little mass of cells has framed my life in such brilliant clarity.

When I gaze upon the world through this new lens, it appears as the most exciting chance I could hope to receive in my life.

In one way, nothing’s really changed, but in another, everything has. And I understand completely that it’s all in how I choose to see it.

I really do feel as though I’ve been given a priceless opportunity to face myself in greater depth on every level of my being.

One of the many things I’ve missed about Del Rio is having the chance to explore the wonders of everyday living through the pages of this newspaper.

Perhaps I’ll share with readers the things I learn as I set about living more honestly and with more resolve than ever before.

It would be good to have the company as I explore this new territory. After all, who knows how much healing can flow when we venture together into the heartland?

A bright morning

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Serving Del Rio and Val Verde County since 1929

A Southern Newspapers publication.