"Some people come into our lives and quickly go.
Others stay awhile,
make footprints on our hearts
and we are never,
ever
the same."
~unknown
It's the "See ya later..." season and
it is most definitely NOT my favorite time of the year.
And just like the TCK kids I work with, just like the TCK kids I live with,
I've learned that "See ya later...," doesn't hurt any less but does,
at least sometimes,
help postpone the tears.
Bren's class this past year... at least two will not be returning next year for their senior year. At least one gal who isn't present in the photo will, Lord willing, be here. But this year there are so many "See ya laters" that, at least this side of heaven, seem more or less permanent goodbyes because the chances of our lives crossing paths in the near or distant future seems highly likely.
Brendan and his good friend DJ |
Sahel Academy's graduating class, 2012 |
Joseph - or Uncle Joe as the kids like to call him - he hops a plane tonight |
Leandra, our niece who has been here with us all year long, heads back to West Coast Bible in less than a week |
Who was that famous guy who claimed that parting was such sweet sorrow?
Right about now, I'd like to slug him! I'd like to say there's nothing sweet about it - but I know that isn't true, since the sorrow seems directly proportional to the sweetness of the relationship.
So (ummmm, clearing my throat, snuffling my noise and blinking back hard those threatening tears) instead of feeling sorry and sad, this list is my choice to be thankful for the delight we've had...
this week's gratitude list
(#s 2223 - 2260)
tearful goodbyes because the laughter before was so exuberant
special dinners for special guys
woodworked gifts of love
little girl squeals as she's thrown high in the air
water balloon fights, even if it means wet clothes in the suitcase
running in the rain at night
wild and ferocious dust storms
watching Dr. Quinn for the umpteenth time and still loving it
knowing that some of these goodbyes are for just a few weeks or months, as friends return to their passport countries for the school break
early morning ames of "Horse-opoly!"
visiting with the bro-in-law
helping to pack bags - even if it means I'm helping them to leave
afternoon hours spent squeezing lemons by hand... together
hugs from kids I've watched grow up
young men and women who care enough and take the time to say thank you
fun photo of Ryan with his Wrightlings (a term he coined for our tribe that loves him and his brother, DJ, to death)
looking forward to one last, big breakfast at Amandine's
waterbeds galore - at least once we get them all set up
reading a book titled "Little Heathens" and laughing because the author heard that term so often as a child she thought is was a single word
busyness to distract from the sadness
beginning home school activities
primary colors everywhere in the girls' bedroom
watching friends who've grown up together play like the tykes they used to be
"walking on water" with the help of floating mats (the littlers were the winners, too!)
pool games at night... so much laughter
wondering when, if, they'll all be together like this ever again
watching friends who've grown up together play like the tykes they used to be
"walking on water" with the help of floating mats (the littlers were the winners, too!)
pool games at night... so much laughter
wondering when, if, they'll all be together like this ever again
camera wars at horseback riding lessons
hugs and holding loved ones tight
knowing that if there'd been more time, it would've been good time
making the most of opportunities given
nems and rice on a Sunday night, followed by "See ya laters..."
taking time
remembering
always room for one more for dinner chez nous
forgetting the memory card for the camera and being forced to take a memographic photo...
healthy littlest one after a big scare last weekend
time and internet to continue once again with Multitude Monday
appearance of the red velvet mites; millet sown all over town
seeing an answer to prayer the very next day
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