Bittersweet Weekend

It was awesome to have my parents and sister and her family here this weekend...for many reasons. First, having something to look forward to (amongst all this craziness), has been good for me. My sister, her hubby, and son were able to get on the road sooner than planned, so I had everyone here for dinner Friday night, which was awesome.




Second, I knew they would be able to get the kids ready in the morning to come watch me run. Third, when we got back, they helped me prep the house, as we had a house showing mid-afternoon. Third, they were SO understanding about needing to be gone for an hour while the house was being shown. Fourth, my Mom made lasagna for dinner. So yummy! Fifth, my Dad patched and painted holes in the walls where pictures had been and fixed a downspout. Sixth, my brother in law did whatever we needed (mostly hanging out with my kids and Jason), so we could pack. Seventh, my Mom and Lindsey helped pack 15 boxes...good china, glasses, vases, tabletop decorations, pictures, frames art. No way I'd be able to get nearly as much done by myself.

Eighth, we were able to celebrate Paul's upcoming 30th birthday!



Ninth, as if I didn't know this already, I am so lucky to have Lindsey as my sister. Church on Sunday was hard--likely the last time I'd have family with me at this church. This church played a big part in Eddy's decision to become Catholic. My kids were baptized here. It feels like I'm coming home when I come to church. And Lindsey sat next to me, and comforted me as the tears came. She lets me be sad, happy, mad, excited...and is there with me through it all. The tears came again as she and her family left--likely the last time they would visit me in this house. And as I turned into a puddle, waving goodbye, my Mom was there to hold me up.

Eleventh, my parents are able to pull me out of the sadness I feel. As they were preparing to leave, they kept smiles on their faces and stayed positive. That was what I needed. I have two kids who need me. I can't fall apart very often, which definitely could have happened when they left.

In my sadness about moving, I know we have much to be grateful for. We are moving because of a great opportunity--not because we lost our jobs or can't afford our house. We are moving further away from family, but still within driving distance. My heart aches, thinking about leaving my friends, but I am reassured because I know these friendships are strong enlightening to withstand distance.

And as I list the positives, my brain understands it, but my heart still hurts.