I Just Call it "See you later"

For some reason, I just have a terrible time with good-byes. I don't like them at all. In fact, I try to avoid them at all costs....and I will always spring for a "see you later" rather than a "good-bye".

The "see you later" I am facing now is a very tough one...so tough that it has kept me up at night and been almost constantly on my mind since I found out about it.

You see, one of my dearest friends, is headed on a new journey and will be moving to a new city in a new state tomorrow. The time has come for me to say "see you later" to Kim and the entire Garner family....and I am having such a hard time doing it! Even as I sit here writing, a lump is coming to my throat and the tears are flowing. How do you say "see you later" to someone who has had a huge impact on your life and your kids' lives, who has been so much a part of so much of our experience here in Iowa? Well, it isn't easy that 's for sure.

We have so many memories...I remember the day we first met at church (6 years ago!)- Kim just seemed so put together...I immediately thought, this girl is going to be my friend. I want to get to know her!!! I could never have guessed the kind of friend I was gaining. A hundred times more amazing than I could have imagined.

We have shared so many birthdays and holidays- cafe rio for Christmas dinner, pumpkin carving for Halloween, Easter feasts, 4th of July picnics...there haven't been too many birthday celebrations that didn't include some members of the families.

Our girls have been school buddies and playmates, often the only members of the church among their friends. They have played on sports teams, attended church together, spent lazy summer days hanging out together and been in girl scouts.

We have helped each other with babysitting, carpools, recipes...been each other's listening ear for grumpy husbands, financial stresses and day to day living!!!! She has been there so many times for me when I just needed someone...she knows me, she knows my family, she knows my kids. She has seen me at my very best and at my very worst. She took care of my kids when I had Regan and when I had Cole...she was my go to girl when I had to call someone to come in the middle of the night...I always joked with her that I was comfortable calling her as she is a bit of a night owl anyway! She took care of my house when we lived in Texas...and welcomed me back to Iowa when we returned.

I often think that a true friend is someone who makes you better (incidentally "our song" is For Good from Wicked)...and boy, has that been true of our friendship. Kim is so talented in every way....she has inspired me to get creative, to get organized, to read more, to do fun activities with my kids, to learn and try new things, to make things beautiful, to document memories...and just to enjoy life. There have been many times when she has remembered me with a "little something"- most recently a little goodie bag when I ran my first half marathon...and just to be thought of and encouraged in that way has been priceless.

And now I must include a little bit about her kiddos...boy, I love those kids so much and have always felt so attached and close to them. With both of us not having family close by, we have been each other's family. Our kids are really more like cousins than just friends. I have been able to teach Christian piano for the past 5 years- what a treat to get to know him. I seriously adore that kid and wouldn't mind having him as a future son-in-law (wink, wink). He has really got his stuff together- smart, confident, polite and funny! Then there is Syd, who has been Ashton's buddy since they were 4 years old. As Ashton has been somewhat prone to be a little serious and worried about life, Syd can always bring a smile to her face!!! She makes me laugh out loud and is such an original in every way. She is going to go on to do big things, and I will get to say I knew her way back when. Finally, Ella who has been such a good friend to Jordan and to Regan. In the past years, it has literally been a fight at our house for who gets to play with Ella. I love that little girl- so full of life, full of hugs and full of the best questions. She would always ask me when I was pregnant, "How did that baby get in your tummy?" And I'd always say, "Go ask your mom!" It wouldn't be fair to not include a shout out to Craig...my husband doesn't have many people he considers true friends...he has a friend in Craig. That is no small thing for Snarr.

And so Kim, I guess I have no choice, but to say "see you later"...I don't like it...but I'll do it...I know you are going to do great wherever you go, because of the person that you are! For now I'm going to let myself shed a tear when I pass by the turn-off to your house, when I drive by Tantra, when I listen to the Wicked soundtrack, when I take Cole to nursery and you're not there, when I eat anything pumpkin. But mostly, I'm just going to be thankful...thankful that our paths crossed...thankful that we got to take this ride together...and thankful that I know our friendship can survive this new twist. Looking forward to many more good times and good chats...just for now, it's "see you later, my friend." Love you always. I have definitely been "changed for good."