Five Years Ago.......

Five years ago today I said goodbye..........

To my Mom who spent a day helping me pack suitcases perfectly while fighting back tears and constantly hugging me. I'm pretty sure she told me she loved me just about every minute.

To my sister who was probably both happy and sad that I would not be close enough to properly boss her around still. I think I've done a pretty good job so far.

To my Grandfather, my biggest fan and greatest source of encouragement. His approval made the leap easier.

To my in-laws that worked and devoted tons of time to helping me prepare for the move while my husband was in Abu Dhabi. Their basements, closets, and attics still store lots of our belongings.

To my nieces and nephew I adore. Their big hugs are always something I look forward to when going back to the US.

To family members I love dearly and spent my whole life living near. My husband jokes that I'm related to everyone in the "757". Shout out to all my cousins. Love you guys!

To my best friend, the Thelma to my Louise, that I've known since childhood and was lucky enough to work in the same office with. Lunches have never been the same.

To my job and employers that are like extended family. Not many people have their boss perform for their 30th birthday, or keep track of the heights of their kids on an office wall. I was lucky.

To countless friends that I could count on to help out when needed, or fill my house for summer pool/lake parties and house concerts.

To Virginia, my beautiful home, with lush green forests, majestic mountains, and a tranquil coastline all within a few hours of each other. I miss camping along the rushing Tye River with morning hikes up Crabtree Falls, and date nights spent having dinner along the boardwalk in Virginia Beach.


   

Five years ago I said goodbye to life as I knew it.