Saying Goodbye is So Hard to Do

Pictured here are Sydney, Rebecca, Andrea, Megan, me, Meredith, Amy, Jenny, Rhonda, and Julie (Carole, Tonya, Katie, Carey, and others not pictured)

Some people simply refuse to say Goodbye.  They insist on saying See ya later or See ya soon, even Adios Amigos, but they will not say Goodbye.  Today I said goodbye to a great group of friends.  It's not that I won't see them again or that I'll be that far away from most of them.  But an era as ended in the role I have played with this sweet group of ladies, and change has come.

For the last four years, I have led a small group at my church.  This group has been a motley crew to say the least.  Every single woman has brought something pertinent, enlightening, and genuine to the table.  Every single lady was and is unique.  We've had some as young as 23 and a couple of older women into their seventies.  Most fell somewhere in between.  We have leaned on each other, supported and encouraged each other, and built friendships. We have shared tears, troubles, good news, answered prayers, and lots and lots of laughter.   Some of these ladies are single, most are married, some have children, some have grandchildren. some not even thinking about children yet.  But there is one thing all have had in common.....a love for God and a passion for life, family, and friends.  They have a desire to grow in their faith and be better people.  They have a desire to love others and give of their time and resources.  We have met each week to uplift and to be uplifted. And we have had an understood saying -- "What is said in this room STAYS in this room." These sweet ladies will forever hold a special place in my heart.

If you are one of these ladies, I know our paths will cross again.  I will see you at church, we'll get together for lunches, we'll visit in our homes, and we'll run into each other at the grocery store.  One of you is even my best friend of 25 years.  But it seems to me that when roles change, things are different.  Different is not always a bad thing because it frees you up to serve each other in new roles and new ways.   Some of you have shared your most intimate concerns with me and have treated me like your own mother or sister.  I consider this the highest compliment that anyone would give me that honor.  But all of you have been my friend, and for that I am eternally grateful.  Friendships like these become dearer to me as the years roll along.  It is a blessed person who has a true friend.  A friend who will watch your back, give and not just take, and will pour their heart and soul into your life.  A true friend will tell you the truth when it hurts and not judge you when you mess up.  I can honestly say you women are that kind of friend. 

So this is not really goodbye, dear sweet treasures.  It is a tribute to our friendship and what you have meant to me over the last four years.  It is a challenge to you and me to continue our friendships.  I know we will see each other again, whether that be in the near future or distant future.  For once you are my friend, you are my friend for life.

So it is with great love and joy in knowing you that I say "Adios Amigos."  I will see you later, sweet friend.

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"Make new friends, but keep the old.  One is silver and the other gold."