Left Behind

I've moved enough to know how painful it is to leave behind wonderful friends.

This month I've also learned how painful it is to be left behind. 

4 of my dearest friends are moving away and I've been surprised by how many times I've spontaneously burst into tears knowing they're leaving. 

Last night I said goodbye to my dear sweet Becca. She was the first person I met when we moved here and quickly became like a sister to me.  We trained for a half marathon together, went on beach trips, saw Wicked in Boston, watched each others kids, had game nights, date nights, temple nights and just a lot of fun together. She taught what it means to be a good friend, serve others with joy and compassion, teach my children with patience and love and always speak kindly of others. She has a zest for life that is absolutely contagious and I will miss her more than she knows.

I also said goodbye to another dear friend, Suzanne who moved last week.  I'll never forget how on my first Sunday here she offered to watch my kids so we could unpack and get settled in.  I was touched that she didn't even know me but was eager and willing to serve.  I soon found that Suzanne and I shared a love for parties, girl's nights out, karaoke, Lost, and the Biggest Loser. She was my visiting teaching companion and someone I could always call at a minutes notice to help with my kids.  The day I saw the moving truck in front of her house I sat in my car and cried. I'm glad she'll only be 2 hours away in Connecticut because I WILL be visiting her whether she likes it or not ; )

My good friend Amanda moved last week as well. We had them over for one last dinner before they began their long trek out to Utah and it was so sad saying goodbye. I was Amanda's visiting teacher and our girls were in the same primary class together at church.  Amanda was so fun and easy to talk to, our visits sometimes lasted close to 3 hours because we couldn't stop gabbing! She was always so willing to help out with my girls and never made me feel like it was a burden. Love that girl and will miss her a lot!

Laura D is also moving but thankfully she's still here for another month. Like Suzanne and Becca, Laura is one of the first people who reached out to me when we moved here. She invited us over to dinner after our first Sunday at church and we became fast friends. We ran a half marathon together, she helped me decorate my first fondant cake, we've done countless babysitting swaps and she is the best hairdresser you could ask for.  One time she came to babysit so we could do a Valentines date and she brought us chocolate dipped strawberries just because she's awesome like that. She also came and made us sushi and tempura on New year's eve when I was 9 month's prego with Cam and didn't feel like going out anywhere. I will miss her spontaneous free spirit and easy going personality.

Before they left I organized a final girls night out at Angela's pizza to say goodbye . Amanda couldn't make it but we had a good turnout and enjoyed lots of chatting, laughing and of course, eating good food.

Girls Night Out

Me and my Becca Boo

This is my "I'm mad at you guys for leaving me" Face.

I will miss these amazing, wonderful and awesome ladies.  I will try to be brave and not cry every time I pass their empty houses.  It's tough being left behind but I'm happy for them and know they will do great things and be a huge blessing to everyone who meets them.