The Farewell Tour

I have a problem.

A serious problem with time. There is never enough of it.

We are less than 10 days out.  In just days, we will be in Japan.

That sounded like such a long time when I was a kid. Now, that I am older wiser, I realize that the clock is ticking and we are almost in the Pacific.

Every time we are about to move I find myself telling people, "We have to get together before I move."

Inevitably, I get to the last week- crunch time- and realize I never saw those people.

Thus the tradition of the "Farewell Tour" started.

My mission is to set aside the time to tell people what they have meant to me. I want to touch their heart and remind them that they have made a positive difference in my life. I try to start early, but time has a way of slipping away from me.

I want to finish strong.

I start by asking myself, "who makes me smile here at Fort Hood?"

Those are the people I put on my list. It's a l.o.n.g list.

On my "Farewell Tour" are women and men, young and old, related to me by blood and related to me by choice. I will tell each person at least one thing they have done or said that made my life better.

Where shall I start?

There is the sweet friend who told me all about our wonderful town of Belton. She even picked up the keys for our house from the builder and sent me pictures of our new home. This woman has been strong when I wasn't and reminded me that the rough times will pass. Our husbands were deployed at the same time. We understood the frustration of a marriage and family, on "pause, while our men fought a war. We survived together. Just hearing her name makes me smile. She is THAT wonderful.

I long to tell our Sunday school teachers that they have meant a ton to me. Our church has a military sunday school. It is brilliant. Truly, brilliant. We all speak the same language and understand the lifestyle. That group is ran by two retired military couples. They not only lead the lessons each week, they give everyone their ears and their hearts. They let us vent when it is bad. They cheer with us when it is good. They have seen dozens, and dozens, of families go through deployments and moves. I need to thank them for their kind words and warm hugs.

I can't forget the friend that, in the middle of a tough patch, called to ask, "How can I serve you this week?". When was the last time someone offered to SERVE you? Her caring heart knew I was struggling and poured out in love. A sweet note, a prayer or the gift of lunch when the world is spinning around us... Her kindness will be remembered.

Then, there is the fabulous group of neighbors that surround us- literally. These people are the salt of the earth and have done so much for my family. From inviting us to swim, to having that missing ingredient when I needed it. They have watched my kids, or picked them up when they were sick at school. They show up on the porch with dinner, just for fun. They stock my fridge with Blue. Bell. My neighbors are the greatest. ever. (And they don't even know I have a blog, so they won't read this.)

Maybe I should begin with the commanders' wives who valued my opinion and appreciated my help. Wow, a great commander's wife can make ALL the difference in the world. There are some really awesome wives in the military. They give of their time, their talents and they share the wisdom of their years with the younger wives. Army wives are strong and loud, funny and giving, opinionated and smart... I adore them!

Then, add my in-laws to that list.  Seriously, my poor in-laws. They are pretty quiet people who value order. Sadly, our house is full of noise, energy and chaos. They have had to get used to us. They probably thought this Southern Gal had lost her marbles when she wanted four kids. But, they adjusted. They play board games with the kids for hours and answer all the "why" questions. They read with them and do homework. They are there to help, listen and teach. I love that.

There's my brothers on that list. They came when my husband was deployed, at Christmas, and put up a trampoline and a swing set in the freezing, pouring down rain! They showed their support in sweat and suffering. And, they never complained. They sent my soldier emails and packages to show their love. Those boys, and their wives, are pretty great. But, trust me, all their stories about me are total lies!

I have to say thanks to my folks for the numerous trips they have made over the years... by car, plane and even boat, to spend time with my kiddos. Thanks for fact having kid snacks when we visit, or taking trips to Target to "fill up the basket with fun". There are more Wii/ xbox games at my parents house than anywhere else on earth. Seriously.  Bubbie takes the earliest riser to Starbucks for hot chocolate every morning. They all try to get up first so they can go.  Grandy lets them win at Uno.   My kids have laughed for hours as my folks told all the totally TRUE exaggerated stories of my childhood.  Yes, I do deny the drama of my teen years. No, it doesn't make the stories any less hilarious. The kids will remember their generosity and time. How do I begin to say thank you for their love?

All too often we forget to tell people how much they mean to us. We think we will see them again, or that they know how much we care about them. We assume that there will always be more time, another chance to say the words that they long to hear. What is it going to take for you to tell people how you feel?

Have you told your kids' teacher how great they are?  You trust them with your greatest treasure, every day. Shouldn't they get a "way to go" from you every now and again?

Or the hairdresser you adore, does she know that? That you return not only for great hair, but to hear about her kids and spill your guts to her?

What about your kids? Do you stop, when they least expected it, to whisper to them how much they make you whole? Or that you are proud of them?

What about that crazy brother of yours? The one you only see- at most twice a year- does he know that you pray for him? That your childhood would not have been as great, or as goofy, without him?

Or the friend who always has just the right thing to say to you, does she know you think she rocks?  

The toughest one... is have you told your spouse? I am saying this one with a guilty look on my face. I have to step up in this department for sure. 

So, here comes the farewell tour.

Here's to 'goodbyes' and 'see you laters'.

I will say thank you to all those who have helped make our time spent in Texas wonderful.

I am determined to spread love.

I will hug and smile.

Then, I will be strong enough to shut the suitcase and get on that plane.

Keep the faith. Tell your love.

 ~ Aggie Amy