Happy and Sad

One of the nicest things I’ve heard in a while was Boo’s doctor yesterday afternoon telling me that her test results were good and there are no reasons for concern. I’m very relieved that the potential concern has proven not to be an actual concern, and I’m very thankful to the Lord for a definitive result. I am also thankful for the peace He granted throughout the process. Though I did experience a normal mom’s concern, I had a deep peace that she would be okay. So, that’s a happy, happy note for today.

The bittersweet note for today is that one of the hardest things about living where we live is the fact that with so many military families in the area, we are always having to say good-bye. I just had to say good-bye to our wonderful neighbors a few minutes ago as they headed out for their new home several states away. This family had become good friends, and our boys have spent many hours playing with their kids. The oldest boy is the same age as our oldest and they were in the same kindergarten and first grade classes together. In fact, when we moved into this neighborhood a year and a half ago, we were so excited to find that this family lived just across the street.

I had run out to the grocery store this morning and, while there, I bought some treats for their children for the long car ride they have ahead of them. I had thought they were leaving tomorrow, but when I pulled up to the house, I saw they already had the boat hitched up and were preparing to head out. I ran in the house and got the card I had for them and took their good-bye present to them. I’m so glad I caught them before they left! The wife and I cried and hugged, and I’m just going to miss them so much. It’s been an especially good friendship because we also share our faith in Christ. This family was active at another church in town, and I liked that our kids could play together so well and that we share that bond as well, and the boys liked going to VBS with them at their church which is larger than ours and has more kids for them to interact with. This year they’ll go to VBS there without their good friend. It is so hard to say good-bye to these friends! But I do pray they will settle quickly into their new home and that this will be a good move for them. While good-byes are sad, I know they will have a new beginning in their new place, too, and that is exciting for them.

It’s even harder on our boys because the new people who bought the house our friends are leaving don’t have any kids. I’m dreading telling the boys this afternoon when they get home from camp that T’s family left today. I think they were hoping to get to see him one more time before he left.

Anyway, that’s where I am today. Rejoicing over our good report for Boo, but sad to say farewell to our friends.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
“To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace."