I’ve never been good at this, preferring to say “See you later” even when I know I won’t. So all the goodbyes leading up to our departure were very hard for me.
The first big goodbye was to the non profit group I’ve been apart of for the last 5 1/2 years. At our January meeting I brought our new son, since he’s easier with me than with Daddy. I was pacing the halls trying to get him not to cry and disrupt the group while listening to the agenda, when I heard our President say my name. She announced to the room of 40 women that I was moving and thanked me for all I had done. After the meeting was over members gave me sad faced hugs. It was heart wrenching.
It was even hard saying goodbye to our house cleaner who we started using the second month we moved into our home. She’s seen us go from no kids to two and has always been so sweet and trustworthy.
The final days were by far the hardest. At a friend’s annual Academy Award Party they paused the TV and made a speech about how much we’ll be missed. My female friends (dubbed “The Cats”) pulled me aside and had each gotten me a charm. They went around a circle telling me why they had chosen that particular charm. It was beautiful & perfect!
Everyone has promised to visit and I believe that they do intend to. But I know that life can take over and suddenly years have gone by. I would love for everyone of my friends to come and see us, but I know sadly that will not be the case.