Last Wednesday, I posted a pair of before and after pictures. The picture taken the day that Tim started his job in Arkansas, and the picture taken a little over a week ago when he handed over that job to someone new.
This is the military life. My dad mentioned to me on the phone today that I have more "military" experience than anyone else in our family. Perhaps so. I haven't ever been on active duty myself, but I was raised an Air Force brat and then married back into the Air Force. My mom says that I knew what I was getting in to. Maybe so.
But even after all of these moves, I'm not sure it gets easier.
It wasn't easy the night before Tim's change of command when he told me about his "Cheers" moment as he left the squadron that day. He was the last person out of the building, checking to make sure all the lights were off and then locking the front door behind him. I hugged him and we cried.
I didn't make it through Tim's speech at the change of command without crying, especially not after I noticed Brennan getting teary-eyed too. I managed to walk out of the doors without looking back that day, but I don't know how I managed to do it without crying.
I was teary-eyed at Addison's last choir concert, too. I'm thrilled that she found such a wonderful group to be a part of while we were here, and I wish that somehow we could take them with us.
I cried when I dropped off some hand-me-down educational games for a friend. She was my first "goodbye" -- the first time I was saying goodbye without knowing that there'd be another chance to bump into each other. I made it out her front door without crying. I didn't make it out of the neighborhood.
Yesterday was our last morning to worship with the church family we've grown to love while we've been here. There were lots of hugs and a few more tears.
I'm sure there will be another tear or two and a wistful look in the rearview mirror when we drive out of town in a few days.
Even as I struggle to say goodbye, I look forward to the future. I can't wait to see what adventures God has in store for us!
Oh Cristi! You are saying just exactly how my heart was feeling several weeks ago! Military brat turned military wife and all!! I pray the blessings and wonders awaiting you all are huge beyond imagination! Big hugs coming your way!!
ReplyDeleteWhile I am not a military brat and have not moved as much as you have, it is still hard. I definitely have shed some tears over this last week. This week is going to be just as hard. :( Will be praying for you and your family!
ReplyDeletePraying for you! We have been going through the same thing - but in the middle of all the good-byes, the family move got postponed. Which is good b/c we will be here with our friends a bit longer, but bad b/c we are not with my husband. Military life is difficult! You are in my prayers!
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