Goodbyes

"Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends." ~Richard Bach

Yesterday, in the late afternoon I sat down on the couch for my usual 'Jeopardy' fix [here, they show an old episode at 4 and then the newest at 4:30]. Of course, I dozed off and awoke just about 2 minutes before Mark walked in the door [my early warning system is built in, I think!]. No dinner fixed and/or planned. Sigh.

He was tired and neither of us could figure out what we wanted to do for dinner, so we drove down to fill his car with gas and then examined our options. [our list pretty much always consists of two things: close and cheap]. We ended up at Wendy's -- Mark likes his Frosty!

As we walked in the door, the first person we saw was a friend from our ward having a quick dinner with her little boy so we chatted with her for a minute. As we did, someone threw their arms around me from behind, and I realized it was Lauren, the daughter of a good friend from our ward and one of our sweetest Primary kids. Mariann was my Primary secretary till very recently and has now sold her house and is leaving for Arizona tomorrow. She had been on my mind and I had made a mental note to call her today.

We ended up having dinner side-by-side and I came away so grateful that I had had the chance to sit and talk with them. They have Primary and nursery aged kids that I love, and both parents have been wonderful Primary workers. I love them all and they will be so missed. As Mark and I drove home, we talked about how perfect the timing was, and now grateful we were that we had the chance to sit and visit in person, give everyone hugs and send them on their way with our love. Another tender mercy, I think. A phone conversation wouldn't have felt that good -- and knowing my phone skills [non-existent], I do wonder if I'd ever have made the call.

I've been sad ever since we parted last night -- but the above quote puts it all into perspective, as does the scripture in D & C 130:2 , which reminded me that we will be with our friends again, and it will be better than ever before.

Thank goodness. We love Brad, Mariann and their family and while we are happy for them that they are moving 2 doors down from Brad's parents [lucky Grandma!], their absence will leave a big hole in our hearts.