Tuesday, May 27, 2008

goodbye, Texas


goodbye Texas, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

Today was one of the hardest days about being a military wife. The moving part we have down to a fine art. Things have gone very smoothly despite being rear-ended the day the packers were here. But saying goodbye is never easy. This part is the part I can honestly say I never look forward to. This evening we got back into town from the beach. We picked up the final load of stuff that is going with me to my moms. Some neighborhood families met us at the hotel for a final dinner.

I did pretty good up until we all got up to leave. Then the tears started creeping out of my eyes. I must note, I am NOT a weepy person. Okay, maybe around that time of the month....okay, and maybe if I have had a wee bit too much to drink. BUT overall I am not a weepy person. I am a firm believer in 'deal with it, and quit moping around about it'.

But tonight faced with saying goodbye to two women who desperately helped me get through the hardest part of this last year, well ...wouldn't you know it. I got weepy AND I hugged them. This part never gets easy. No matter how often we have had to do this...five moves and counting in the last almost 11 years.

These women were there every Friday to order pizza and bit(h to if I needed. They were the glad recipients of Muffin Monday muffins. One shared many of glasses of wine with me. Their older kids babysat mine when I was in desperate need of some alone time. I could go on and on the things we shared during the 15 month deployment. We shared our lives in a time when we all needed each other. I guess what I am really trying to say is I am so thankful I have met some women, some real friends that make saying goodbye so hard.

I want to stop short before I start sounding too cliche, so I will close with this: "Don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends." ~Richard Bach

ps, I am officially boohooing again (and I am NOT even being a woman), so if there are typos...I get a bye!

25 comments:

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

One of my favorite quotes (albeit a bit cheesy) "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened".

Safe travels and best wishes on your next chapter!

megz_mum said...

Relocating and goodbyes are so hard - and you make it look easy! Another quote for you
"Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver the other gold!"

Corey~living and loving said...

hugs for you. I am thinking of you.

Monogram Queen said...

At least you treasure those friends and what they did for you. That's what matters, they were appreciated! (I'm sure you were too). Happy Trails Sooner Girl!

Anonymous said...

(((HUGS)))

Desert Diva said...

I love that quote from Richard Bach. Bless you and your family as you travel to your new "adventure."

Anonymous said...

I think the only real way to repay these women's gift, is to return the love, affection and kindness to other's in need. And I know you do that.

I'm sorry it's hard. Your boo-hooing only shows the depth of your beautiful heart. I hope it always stays so willing to love.

Blessings to you, hubby and the kids on your next challenge.

Janet said...

awwww, Tommie! Changes are hard sometimes...but they make us who we are :-)

Joanna said...

Sigh - what can ya say? Parting is such sweet sorrow.
Hopefully you can stay in touch thanks to the Internet.

May you find new friends at every place you end up so that when you string them all together it will be a priceless heirloom because you will be a better person for having the experience of them.

Libby said...

What a wonderful quote. And here is where I think the "blog-world" is so valuable, your friends in Texas will be able to follow your new adventures right here on Tuesday Update. {hug}

carmilevy said...

I don't know where you find the strength to do this. I'm touched by the eloquence with which you've captured the transition process, and wish you godspeed on the next leg of your adventure/journey.

I've been a serious stranger of late - life's been challenging - but please know you're in my thoughts.

Meg said...

It's wonderful that you made such good friends in Tx. It's a gift to have friendships that touch you so deeply... Though it hurts to say goodbye, I know you are grateful to have the memories to think about as you set up your new life. I'm sure your friends will miss you even more than you miss them!! (it's always harder to be the one left.)

Don Mills Diva said...

HUGS. Hope you make more wonderful friends in your new home.

Unknown said...

Tommie- I'm crying for you. As much as I whine and complain about Wisconsin I have made two VERY fabulous friends. When we talk about moving all I can think about is how much it's going to suck to leave them even though I am made for a warmer climate.

People are what make a location a home. I wish you the best in finding a new set of girlfriends in your new state, that's what really matters.

Chica, Cienna, and Cali said...

you dont say goodbyes to friends like those.,..you say, "till we meet again"....take care , tommie. hugs for you.

IamDerby said...

wow, it sounds so very hard. I have only lived in two places so I have no clue what its like to completely be uprooted. You make it look so easy (as far as all the logistics!) I hope new friends are waiting for you just around the corner.

just jamie said...

Oh, you are such a strong woman for your family. You're showing your children that difficult decisions are often the most worthy ones. Bravo.

gina said...

hugs!!

Stay safe for this leg of your journey and I will stay tuned for the next part of the adventure!

Monica said...

Awww...I'm sorry Tommie. Just remember that you have all of us, and can take us with you wherever you go. :)

Wendy said...

I did this a couple of years ago with my two best friends in the world. I know how hard it is. Just let it out girl.

Kellan said...

Hope all is going well for you - hope you made it safely. Texas will miss you!!

Take care until I see you - Kellan

Anonymous said...

For those of you checking Tommie's blog... Tommie is in po-dunk OK and is without her much needed blog fix. She will return as soon as possible.

The move is going well. The kids (and Tommie) are stressing over not having a home, but doing alright.

Thanks to all of you for your support now, and over the past year and a half.


Mike (Tommie's Husband)

Mary Alice said...

Here's hoping your time of being "homeless" ends soon.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and hope the move goes ok.

Chica, Cienna, and Cali said...

you have bene gone for soemtime now....hope it's all coming through .........take care :)