There is No "Good" in Goodbye

You may have noticed I've been pretty absent from the blogging world lately.  I apologize for that, but things have been so crazy and busy.  I actually don't think I have opened my computer since Thursday, which is incredibly strange for me.

Anyway, I have been spending my time these last few days preparing to say goodbye.  As I was thinking about how difficult goodbye's are, I realized this doesn't always have to be the case.  Saying goodbye to the NICU when my son FINALLY came home, was wonderful beyond belief!  We were happy to say goodbye, and hope we never have to say hello again!

But saying goodbye to your best friend is infinitely harder.  No, it's darn near impossible.

Our friends, and our church's children's minister, are moving on to begin a new ministry in Mississippi.  This opportunity is such a blessing and will allow my friend to stay at home with their precious baby girl, and I'm so excited to see what God has in store for them.  But that doesn't make saying goodbye any easier.

This past week has been a whirlwind of planning for their going away party, helping pack up their beautiful baby's room, spending time together, eating good food, and loading up the biggest UHAUL they make.

Friday night we gathered friends together to wish them well, and enjoy some yummy food that they will no longer have in Mississippi.  Saturday consisted of packing and loading (of which I was not much help, considering I have two kids to take care of...oh well, moral support!), then another evening of spending time together and eating good food.  Sunday was their last day at church, and reality hit me quite a bit harder than I was expecting.  But we prayed for them, and had a wonderful time of fellowship Sunday evening to say thank you for their time here and send them on to their new ministry.  Sunday night, a few of us got together for one last time, to be hang out, and say goodbye.  One by one, friends said their goodbyes and went home.  But as completely exhausted as I was, I just wasn't ready for that moment when I actually had to go home and face the fact that they are really leaving.

So we talked, and laughed, and I helped them get the last few things organized and loaded into the car so they could leave as early as possible this morning.  Finally, though, there was nothing left to do.  No more packing, no more delaying, nothing left but to hug and cry (after a very long day of working very hard to hold it all in) and say it.  The word I had been avoiding all week long.  Goodbye.  

I still can't believe it.  I cry every time I drive by their house (which is at least once a day).  I was there when they had their beautiful baby.  I helped them move into their house right down the street from us.  They were there for us every single day my son was in the hospital.  And they helped give and host a beautiful shower for my son while he was there.

I knew it would be hard, but I had no idea how hard.  I am so excited for them as they begin a brand new chapter in their lives, and get settled and build new relationships in Mississippi.  And I will be praying for them all the time, as I know they will be praying for us.  And I know we will see each other again, hopefully sooner rather than later.  But right now, my heart is breaking.

You mean so much to me and I hope you know how much you will be missed. :)

     

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.  For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."  Philippians 1:3-6  

Katie, every time I go to the Carter's store, or work on my scrapbook, or drink a Dr. Pepper, or see a little wiener dog, or hear the name Emma, or eat Chick-Fil-A, or work in the nursery, or go to Harris, or see the Schwan's man, or go to IKEA, I will think of you, and pray for you.  Love you all!!