On Friday, the ladies of the 40th Engineer Battalion hosted a farewell luncheon for me since we are leaving soon.
I have been looking forward to it as a time to see all of my friends in one setting before leaving Baumholder. I really cherish the friendships that I have made here and the ladies of the 40th have been so welcoming. They have been my family.
I have been dreading it because it was a time to say goodbye. I don’t like saying good-bye. I would be willing to say that that is the single worse part of being an Army spouse…the leaving having to say goodbye to good friends.
I was also able to invite some special friends from outside our battalion to share this special time.
My friend Sidnie made an incredible cake. I am so appreciative of the time she put into it, especially after she actually had to make two after the first one was destroyed by her two year old. That’s what two year olds do.
I had such a good time chatting and visiting with all of these ladies, some for the last time.
We ate a wonderful lunch and shared stories and memories of our friendship and time together in Baumholder.
Some of them were the very first to welcome me to Baumholder, when I was completely stressed out, living in an empty apartment alone with twin two year olds and a very colicky baby. My friend, Willma, brought over toys for the girls to play with and she’ll never know how much that simple act meant to me.
Some of them became my survival sisters during the deployment. We spent time together bonding while our husbands were deployed. We ate dinner at the Rhinelander almost every Friday night. We competed in the Army’s Iron Spouse Challenge, and looked good doing it! We had numerous play groups where our children were able to play and we were able to visit and watch Army Wives. We learned how to make our children mind without losing ours!
Some of them are my best friends. We’ve shared meals together, but more than that, we’ve shared ourselves and became so close that I cannot imagine leaving here without them. Carol and I spent almost every holiday together while our husbands were deployed. We talked on the phone at least daily. Jordan and I live in the same stairwell and we’ve been able to spend lots of time together. Her son, Brady, has become Will’s little best friend.
Some of them have become bloggy buddies and twitter friends.
Some of them are fairly new to Baumholder and I am leaving with a bit of regret at now knowing them longer.
But all of them have impacted my life in so many ways.
They have taught me to be a better mother, a better wife, a better Army spouse, and a better friend.
They have taught me about who I am as a person and who I want to become.
They have inspired me to be more.
And the words that they shared on Friday left me completely humbled.
As I prepare to leave Germany in the next week, I am reminded of the wonderful people that I will be leaving behind.
I am reminded of the importance of friendship and community.
I am reminded that you have to give of yourself to be a friend, but you gain so much in the giving.
Sidnie says
I couldn’t talk Friday, because I would have cried. It was so hard not to let the tears fall when you were talking Friday. And well, now, in the comfort of my home, I am crying.
I am so not ready to say Goodbye to you. I am so not ready to know that you are half a world away. You are an amazing person. And have impacted my life in ways you will never know!
I am so thankful for the internet. I am so thankful that you will never be more than just a “click” away.
I have been so blessed to have you in my life. XOXO.
Heather Schroeder says
I wish I would have known about it….I would have been there. Maybe it is one sided, but you meant and do mean a great deal to me even though we did not get to fertilize our friendship neccisarily….I read your posts, played with your kids, cleaned your home and felt love in all of it. You will be missed but not forgotton. You helped me to come back to my faith …. I hadn’t totally left … my prayers wil be with you always. I will miss seeing your smile and miss the kids terribly much too! Lots of love to you. I am too tired to spell…..forgive me?
Pat says
I am so glad that you have had these wonderful people in your life. Now that there is the internet, you won’t have to lose touch with many of them. Just think about how you were instrumental in reconnecting me with Stephanie!
.-= Pat´s last blog ..Preparing for the Weekend =-.
Kim says
Wow, it sounds like all involved are extremely blessed. You have to love that God knows just where to put you and surrounds you with love.
.-= Kim´s last blog ..“I Spy†Jar =-.
Linda@cookingtipoftheday says
How time flies… it seems like yesterday you told us you were leaving Germany in a month…
As doors close … others will open… I’m probably considerably older than you and have learned through the years about making new friends and leaving old ones behind…. much like you I moved a lot when I was first married… I took each move hard.. leaving my friends… but over the years I have learned its part of God’s plan for us to meet new people and leave our “footprint” if you will… just as you had “angels” to help you through trying times… you will be an angel for someone else… through the kindness of others we learn what matters in life… simple acts of kindness can mean so much.
I pray for you and your family… much success and happiness in your new home.
.-= Linda@cookingtipoftheday´s last blog ..Wine Pairings =-.
Carol says
Sounds like I left the luncheon at a good time since I had to get back to work 🙂 (before all the sentimental thoughts were shared). I know I would have broken down, as like many probably said Friday, you are a very special person and will always have a special place in my heart. I am so incredibly thankful for our friendship and the wonderful times we shared. You helped me through the deployment and were a true God send, that is for sure. I was so blessed to spend the holidays together with you and the kids and I will cherish those memories forever.
I know we will keep in touch and I am beyond excited for you and this opportunity to head back to the states . Please keep in touch…I know I will definitely be calling/emailing/etc with you. You are a true best friend and I will miss you here!!!
Maggie says
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman and friend. As someone else said, you leave your mark, your footprint but the friendship remains and you stay connected with those old friends in Baumholder (sp?). But, new friends… and old ones you left behind from your last move await you with open arms. Can’t wait ’til you’re back in the states so we can plan some sort of a visit. You’ll be an east coaster… not so far from me, Janete, Bonnie and so many others who’ve missed you terribly! Have a safe and enjoyable trip. Looking forward to having you on this side of the world ;o).
.-= Maggie´s last blog ..My Happiness Guru Takes A Walk on The Happy Side =-.
Erin @ Closing Time says
Leaving dear friends must make leaving bittersweet. I know that you will find new friends in Virginia, and I pray for grace as you say your goodbyes.
.-= Erin @ Closing Time´s last blog ..Welcome to My New Home! =-.
Andrea says
What a sweet event! You are such a special person who shines a light wherever you go. Happy blessings to you! Maybe we will meet up again 🙂