Goodbyes

My first post for the new year is done with tear stained cheeks.

We said our good byes to Bob and Mona tonight before they leave on their mission to Hawaii tomorrow morning. It was not easy.

I LOVE them so much! They have had such a huge impact on my life and I love them and look up to them and respect them just like they were my own parents.

It's crazy to think that we lived without them close by for the first 7 years of our marriage and we managed just fine. Our kids only knew of "going to visit" grandma and grandpa. But after just a short year and a half or so of them living 20 minutes away it's hard to think about life without them here. We have loved being so close to them and so have the kids. I'm sad because I'm not sure Lexi will remember them when they come back and I know that when they do everyone will be another year older. Including Bob and Mona. They will have a few more wrinkles and I will see the aging in their faces. Time will not stand still and they can't forever be the vibrant Bob and Mona we know now. They will slow down and age will take over their bodies. So that being said I am extremely sad to see them go. I know they will be great missionaries. And even though they will not be proselyting they will undoubtedly bring to souls unto Christ and people they come in contact with will grow closer to their Savior just by knowing the Lee's. They are a bright light in this world.

They have touched my life.

And from the first time I met them (before TJ and I were dating,,,before becoming more than friends was even thought of) I KNEW I wanted to become apart of a family that was just like TJ's. I wanted to have Bob and Mona in my life forever. From the first time I met Bob and he pulled me in for a great big bear hug I felt welcome and apart of their family. I am so glad I fell in love with TJ and was able to make it official.

I wish them the best of luck on their new journey in life and I can't wait to go visit in Paradise!

We were able to be there when the got set apart and it was such a sweet experience with such a thick spirit. It was great to sit around and chat and play games. Such a tender moment to see my girls give their last hugs for a while and hold on tight. I cried all the way home. Chloe said she will really miss them.

And I know how she feels.