My friend Natalie moved away. I really don't like it when friends move away. I've been here for 6 years, and have shed a few tears over friends moving away. This was another. She just moved here 2 years ago from California. We had she and her husband over for dinner and I really liked her. But she worked during the day and it just didn't seem to happen to get together. About 6 months later, I ran into her at an activity at church on a day that was rough for me. I ended up crying to her and she listened, and offered sound advice. We talked about life plans and how things don't always go according to plan. From then on, she held a very special place in my heart.
This is the truck that took all their things.
My kids really wanting to help load (holding her husband, Justin's, precious paintings)
Natalie and Justin (I love her bandana on her head)
Michael took on the packing task inside the truck. It was funny to watch him, I don't often watch him help others load trucks.
Her cute backyard shed/office. We did crafts out there. She helped me make Alyssa's dolls in there. Fond memories for me.
Our friend Gabe pushing Matthew around, he had a grand ole time.
Michael took this one night as we went out on the town. The last few days she was here, her truck was packed, her house was empty, and her husband had a business trip. So she stayed with us...we saw a movie one night, stayed up late and chatted, and my kids clung to her and woke her in the morning...earlier than she would have liked.
They love Matalee Clayton, too. She and her husband watched them for a night when Michael and I went to SD and they didn't understand why she had to move away. For Justin to paint the mountains, I said, but also to be near family. She doesn't yet have children of her own, but she will be such a great mother when her time arrives. Alyssa adores her.
And my boys think she's pretty cool, too. It was unfortunate that she said her farewell to us just before we went to church. My eyes were red the rest of the day.
HERE are a few pictures I took of she and her husband outside their home a few weeks ago. I've come to accept that life has its changes, but saying goodbye to friends is never an easy thing to do. It's sad because it kinda makes me not want to develop close friendships. It's just been too hard. But I know that's not who I am, and I need more than just what the surface brings. I'm grateful for the friends that are still here that I still get to see, and grateful that I've got great friends that live all over the country, too.
8 comments:
I am so sorry you had to say goodbye. It is never easy or fun. And, as much as you want things to "never change", they do. :o(
Hugs
Kristen...wow. Thank you for this post. Of course my eyes might be red the rest of the day now. You are special to me too and I'm so glad we had a chance to deepen our friendship, especially those last few days. I miss you already and your cute kids...husband too. I agree about not wanting to develop friendships just to avoid the possible heartache and sadness when things change. BUT...I'm so glad we risk that because I know so many wonderful people who are not a part of my daily life and I treasure those friendships. Much love to you...and we'll keep in touch of course.
That's such a tough thing to deal with, but it's good to be able to document your friendship, and to remember each other in that way.
Your so great Kristen. I love that you devoted this post to your friend that is moving away. It says a lot about your sweet spirit and generous heart. I love it!
Really sweet sentiments. I'm sorry that she is gone and I'm also sorry that she took her beautiful and effortless looking hairstyle (that I love!) I get sidetracked easily. Call anytime and I'll chat with you friend.
Aww, I hate it when good friends move away. :( This is a really sweet post about her though. I can tell she really appreciated it.
love your stylin' hat. loading a truck does NOT look like fun. it's great when a friend can be close to your children as well. sad, sad, goodbyes :(
i'm sad for you and i can empathize b/c i've felt that so many times. it's hard to say goodbye b/c you know that that friendship will never be the same again after moving far apart. that's how i feel about our friendship. it was hard to say goodbye to you. i'm a little jealous, too b/c i wish i had friends like that here--i can't think of one friend that i would cry about if i moved from here. family, yeah. but, you've read on my blog about struggling to build deep friendships here. i just don't know what it is... any advice for me?
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