The Close of a Sweet Chapter

This month has been a full one involving the packing up and eventual move of my best friend from childhood and her loving family. They are moving to Australia -- so far, far away. Yesterday, we said our final goodbyes.

While the parents have been a part of our lives for years (my best friend married a distant cousin of Joe's), the last 3 years we have had the privilege to live within 25 minutes of each other, often sharing time together on a weekly basis which has enabled our children to become close friends as well.

It is humorous that our girls inadvertently dressed alike on this final day -- as too many times to count, Dyana and I have shown up at one another's homes dressed similarly. We have the same tastes apparently. Our girls are following suit :-) Isabelle adores Sarah and considers her a "sister" just as I do Sarah's momma.

Older, wiser, and much much humbler .... this friendship has stood the test of time (nearly 30 years!). What a blessing.

Thomas and my boys have a special relationship revolving around Legos and army men and trains and made up stories about "Ham, Bacon, and Sausage" told with great gestures and heroic voices, and often done best in the comfort of the hammock.

Sarah is a one-of-a-kind girl (now, young lady). Her creativity and imagination have deeply impacted Isabelle and have nurtured her to be the bright ball of sunshine that she is in our family.

Both Isabelle and Sarah are only-daughters. This fact has bonded them in a unique way.

As they have matured, they now have discussions about the important things in life as well as about horses and dolls and imaginary people and plays. I caught this moment in one of their favorite places -- under the branches of our weeping willow. Sarah will be irreplaceable in my little girl's life.

Growing up alongside each other has been so very sweet these past years.

Bon Voyage dear friends! You will be so missed ....