Not Goodbye....See You Later

Surprisingly enough, we have now been in Abilene close to 4 years. We've made some incredible friends and memories here. BUT we are in the Air Force, and that means every station is temporary and, unfortunately, friends in close proximity don't stick around. I've dreaded this time for us since I started making good friends in Abilene. Since we moved around so much for our first two years in the Air Force, my husband and I didn't make many friends until we settled down in Abilene. Then the friends came quickly and we were so grateful! We have loved getting to know everyone here and we are so sad to see our friends get their new assignments and make plans to move away. 

Some friends are going to Germany, the East Coast, West Coast, Deep South, and even some to Little Rock :) (this pleases us since we are hoping to move to Little Rock as well). 

Don't get me wrong, we are so so happy for our friends who are following their dreams and getting the assignments they want. We are also looking forward to visiting them all at their respective bases! But I would be lying if I didn't say our hearts sank a little more upon hearing each new assignment. These people have shared intimate times and difficult times with us. For my husband, these are his brothers, the men he worked with, fought with, and leaned on for 4-6 months at a time when I couldn't be there for him. For me, these are the women that I've laughed with, cried with, and bitched with. They've stepped in to play the important role of family for me when my family couldn't be there. There are no words that can thank them enough for their friendships. I just hope (with everything in me), that they each find happiness and wonderful friends in their new temporary homes. AND hopefully it's not too much to ask for a guest room so we can visit?!? 

So I won't say goodbye to these people, only see you later!