Hard Goodbyes

For so long it felt unreal. I would say I was leaving in July, in a month, in two weeks, in 10 days, on the fifteenth... And it never really hits home until you have to say goodbye. 

Goodbye to Benjamin. You are only three years old... When I come home you will be four. I hope you don't ever feel like I wanted to leave you. You're trouble, but I love you to pieces. I'll do my best to find a kangaroo, just for you, and when I find him I'll remember his pocket is "in [your] face!" I love you, Bug.

Goodbye to Daddy. I'm going to miss you so much. Nearly every time I leave, I miss you first. I love you.

Goodbye, Mommy. I love you tons. I'm going to miss my friend; my comforter. Your advice, though I rebel against it, and your hugs will be without replacement until I come home.

Goodbye, Adam. You're already gone. I love you. You're a great kid. I'm going to miss you terribly. Play your game well. Make me proud. You always do. Take care of Mom for me. She will need your hugs. Work hard. Do well in school. Don't give up. You're the best.

Goodbye to David. You're such a nice guy. I'm sure you'll be taller than me in December.... Try not to squash me? In a day or two I am sure I will miss your chatter. I love you. Work hard in school and piano. Don't give your teachers too much trouble, alright? ;) 

Goodbye, Natalie, my sister. I don't know what I'm going to do without you. Yeah, you're a pain at times...a really big pain...but when I need a friend you're there with a hug and ready to listen to me vent. You're the best sister I could have asked for. You won't be home when I call... Maybe you can make time for a chat every now and then anyway? Do well in school. You're too smart for them. Everyone knows that. Take care of Grandma and Grandpa... Don't let things get too boring around there. Maybe you can show them this blog for me? Thanks, Sis. I love you. 

Goodbye, Joshua. Always friends? Let's take some time with God and figure this thing out. For sure. I Love you. I'm going to miss you--heck, I already do. This isn't going to be easy, but God knows eventually we will know it was worth it. I'll see you in December. <3

Goodbye to Sadie, our new little puppy. I hope you remember me when I come home.

Goodbye grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, and cousins. 

Goodbye house I haven't lived in for even a year.

Goodbye friends.

Goodbye Michigan.

Goodbye home.

Goodbye walks by the stream. 

Goodbye stars.

Goodbye mulberries.

The tears that come... You'd never know it could be so hard. I know I'm doing what God wants from me, and I know I'm coming back, but it doesn't make it easy to leave everything and everyone I have loved.