I dislike saying goodbye

Day one hundred fifty six: It so true. I always dislike saying goodbye. It doesn't feel natural. Even when I am just saying goodbye to my dogs when we drop them off at my parents' house for a day or so, I get a funny icky feeling in my stomach. I won't even discuss my feelings when we drive away from a big family gathering that has been so amazing and knowing we won't be together again in the same way for weeks or even months. Goodbyes are difficult for me.

Today, Ariel and I had to say goodbye to a friend. Ariel was good at it. She very naturally shared a hug with our friend, then when I offered my own hug Ariel joined in again. I guess she thought it was the thing to do. She made it an extra special hug.

My friend, Wendy, is moving to Florida. I dislike this. I will miss her. I am excited for her and the opportunities she will have. I am sad she is leaving loved ones - both friends and family.

I am so grateful she has been a part of my life. She has changed me. She has in many ways molded my philosophy of education. She helped me develop some of my passions. She had helped me to be more intentional whenever I am any kind of teaching or learning situation. Honestly, there aren't many things in life that I don't connect with "learning" in some way. The things I have learned from her are so much more than "strategies" and "theories." They have changed the way I look at many things and the approach I try to take. She's a great encourager...a big part of that is her honesty. She has a sincerity that cannot be faked. She's gonna do great things in Florida, but I will miss her friendship (and I know I'm not the only one by any stretch).

Thank you, God, for Wendy. Thank you for the ways you have used her and the ways that you will use her. Please bless her through the major transitions she is going through. Please help her to quickly find her place where she is going - help her to connect. Thank you for the many ways she has affected my life. Thank you for facebook and such as a means for us to keep in touch with people we aren't ready to say goodbye to.


What's this about? I decided on my birthday to make a commitment to being intentionally thankful. I challenged myself to post one thing I am thankful for everyday this year.