Sometimes it’s only for a few hours, a few days, or just a
week. Other times it’s for months,
seasons, and even years. Sometimes
it is permanent and means we are letting go. We may choose to say goodbye or not ever get the
chance. A goodbye can represent a
loss, but always the opportunity for a hello or new beginning.
This morning I said goodbye to my best friend and little
sister as she left to serve a full time mission for our church. She will be a representative of the
Lord for the next 18 months in France and Switzerland. I truly admire her bravery of leaving
comfortable, routine, and home to dedicate every fiber of her being to serving
others and the Lord. Her example
is truly inspirational to me. I
did have the experience of watching all five of my brothers serve missions,
somehow having my little sister go seems different. Maybe it’s because I’m older, and as I’ve gotten older life
seems to be speeding by? Or maybe
it is just that my relationship with my little sis is so much different than
with my brothers?
All of my most precious childhood memories are with
her. Every trial, struggle,
accomplishment, and victory we stood by each others’ side. Never judging, mostly supportive, and
always loving. And now into
adulthood we have continued to build our friendship into what I would consider
a quintessential illustration of family bonds.
Over the last year I even had the opportunity to have Lara
as my roommate. Our home was filled
with peace, lots of laughter, always good conversation, and delicious
food. While living with Lara we
both prepared for some our most important life tasks- she watched and encourage
my relationship with Jon while I supported her spiritual growth and decision to
serve a mission. And again, I have
found there is nothing like a sister… Now Jon has some pretty big shoes to fill
while she’s gone.
Change is the scariest thing, but the next 18 months will
bring some of the most exciting changes in both of our lives. Lara Jane, Jon and I are so proud
of you! We love you so much, and
will be saying lots of prayers for you.
Make everyday better than the last.
Au revoir Lara!
Beautiful post about your sis. I am so excited for her. I wish she could blog while she was there so we could all keep up with her! Good thing you have Jon as your best friend, now!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Ashlee! Reading your post made me glad again that we're having a girl because I'm so excited for there to be sisters in our family. It's so great to get to see Lara this weekend and to spend just a little more time together before she heads to France. It's awesome that you guys have always had each other, especially lately with these important new phases in your lives.
ReplyDeletereally can't believe just yesterday was goodbye. THis will certainly be an interesting experience but I have no doubts that many positives will come from this time in our lives. I love you so much big sister, best friend. I have no doubts that Jon will fill the shoes JUST fine. Love and miss you both. I appreciate your support and excitement for me. Brings me to tears thinking about it! SEE YA LATER - not goodbye ;)
ReplyDeleteI love my family... and this is one of the reasons why!!
ReplyDelete