I admit, it’s not where I wanted home to be. I was perfectly content with where we were. I went with tears. Lots of tears. But now that I’m preparing to leave, there’s even more tears. The tears keep flowing.
As I got to my new city, years ago, I was nervous, scared and missing home. It was not what I wanted. I couldn’t wait to move again. But soon, this city became home and stole my heart. It’s where we became parents. It’s the only home my kids know.
It’s a great place to raise a family. So many opportunities and things to love about this place. So many great parks nearby and we were so close to the pool (where we spent our summer days) and to the library (where we spent so many mornings). And we had an amazing school that we could see from our backyard. That school is filled with great teachers. That’s the place where my son learned to read and write and so many other things. On the other side of town, there’s a preschool that’s also filled with wonderful teachers. My older two kids got to go there and it makes me so sad that my youngest won’t. It breaks my heart to know she won’t have Jesus time there and won’t get hugs from those sweet teachers. It feels like I’m robbing her of some great times.
We did little league, dance, basketball, music classes, swim lessons, soccer… so many memories, so many opportunities. So much fun!
But the people. These people are some of the best. Doctors who care. Teachers who love your kids. Even the employees at Target are so sweet and always greeted my family with a smile and some small talk. Our neighbors, seriously the best. This place had some of the best friends we’ve ever had. It’s where I met my mom tribe. These friends got me through some difficult times. It takes a village, and there’s no way I could have done it without them. My kids have made so many amazing friends. Even my 2-year-old has a genuine best friend. We are truly going to miss everyone so much. I can barely think about leaving because it makes me sick to my stomach. I never knew this place would be so hard to leave. But it is. It feels nearly impossible.
I don’t want to start over. I don’t want my kids to start over. Right now, I’m feeling all the feels and it’s hard. While I know our new home will eventually feel like home too, this place will always have a spot in my heart. Thank you for the friends and the memories. You won’t ever be forgotten.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” – Dr. Seuess