Farewells

As the move approached, the farewells began. My heart ached each time we had to say goodbye to a dear friend knowing we may never see them again. 

We saw friends while they were in town, met, in the middle, or hosted in our home... Whatever worked to say our goodbyes. 

We had our final appointment with Dr. Robinson, and checked all of our records out with her. She was a great support and confidant for us, and so saying goodbye to her was significant. She hugged us, and kissed each one of our children. She was very good to our family. 

This certainly was not the last time I saw Jacalyn and her girls, but it was the last time I was able to see her mother Jean, who I had grown close to over the years. I made the girls snap a picture, even though they threw a fit for me. :) But now, I am so very glad I have it. I would always visit Jean while she was in town, and she would make her way over to our home as well. She could talk for hours, and I loved to listen. She raised one of my favorite people in this world, and I owe her so much of my respect and gratitude. We were sad to say goodbye. She will always be dear to my heart. 

Part of our stake lives across the harbor, and so we don't see them often, but we have close friends in the other wards from serving together in the stake, and getting to know one another. Before we left, we met with the Glandfield's and Hunt's for dinner. Such great people! Joel, Jeana and I served in the stake together, and Justin and Pat in the ward Bishopric. Another bittersweet goodbye, but so great to be with them, and so grateful and glad we made the time available. 

Josh was our close friend, and his daughter Lyla was the same age as Miley and they loved to play together often. We hope to cross paths again with Josh perhaps someday in Utah. :) He was a great sport to come to our empty, boxed up home for dinner. But, that is just how he is, and we are glad they came. It stunk to say goodbye, because it just seemed like we'd see him again tomorrow. We sure do miss these great friends.

The day before we moved Miley and Scotlin had their last day of Preschool, and so along with that came goodbyes to their teachers. Phara is the only one pictured here, but they had two teachers. 

The kids enjoyed their preschool very much, and Justin and I were happy with it too. Miley and Scotlin still talk about it to this day. I am glad we chose to let them have the opportunity, they had a great experience there. 

We packed in as many play dates as we could with our sweet little Irish neighbors and preschool friends. On the day we were loading our truck, Grainne walked the girls down for one final goodbye. 

Grainne was one of my closest friends our last year, and one I am truly grateful for. She and I used to meet at the preschool each morning when dropping off our kids for school, and then go for a morning walk and talk from there. She was a wonderful woman and mother, a true friend, and great neighbor to me. I have missed her very much since I left. 

Just a few days before the move, our closet girl friends threw a farewell for Helene, Carolyn, and I. That week of the move was such a stressful time, and so I was so happy to have this little getaway for a minute to see some of these wonderful ladies again. It truly meant to world. 

There were many more farewells and goodbyes in the community, and school, and church. I don't feel that it ever really got easier, especially knowing I had yet to say goodbye to the people who mattered the most. I find myself missing these wonderful people and friends, and can clearly see the role each one played in our lives. We were so fortunate to have built such a wonderful circle around us.