Three? Really? Only three more days of working in the job I've had for NINE years (ok, very nearly nine years...but let's not get too technical). It has been the best job I've ever had.
I may or may not go on for a while here...some things can not be said in only a few words.
It has been the perfect fit for me, for them, truly a blessing on all sides. You know the phrase, "Thank God and Greyhound..." Well, I say Thank God and Dawn! She and Jimmy were very instrumental in connecting me with this sweet family that moved to Branson in 2003. Little did I know I'd stick with them for so many years. I was only looking to fill the time (and bank account, truth be told) until marriage happened for me. Then I fell in love. (with this family...Jonathan came later) Once I did get married I thought maybe I'd just stick around until I had kids of my own (though, I still consider these three my own in a way). Then, when little Jonah did come along, well, it just seemed to work out for me to keep "working" and take him along with me (another win/win). Now that we're adding to our family again...and um, the other three are um...well, not so little anymore.... it just seems like the time has come to make this final transition.
I may or may not go on for a while here...some things can not be said in only a few words.
It has been the perfect fit for me, for them, truly a blessing on all sides. You know the phrase, "Thank God and Greyhound..." Well, I say Thank God and Dawn! She and Jimmy were very instrumental in connecting me with this sweet family that moved to Branson in 2003. Little did I know I'd stick with them for so many years. I was only looking to fill the time (and bank account, truth be told) until marriage happened for me. Then I fell in love. (with this family...Jonathan came later) Once I did get married I thought maybe I'd just stick around until I had kids of my own (though, I still consider these three my own in a way). Then, when little Jonah did come along, well, it just seemed to work out for me to keep "working" and take him along with me (another win/win). Now that we're adding to our family again...and um, the other three are um...well, not so little anymore.... it just seems like the time has come to make this final transition.
I can not believe the day is coming...I don't think my brain has comprehended what a change this will be. I'm sure, what with the new baby coming and all, that it will take some time for me to fully realize how different life will be for me (and my family). Some aspects will be really good, and some, inevitably, a little bit sad.
I sure do love these people. With my whole heart!
(to me this is one of those pictures that says 1,000 words...it is one of my all-time faves. this was also the day they told me there was a new sibling on the way)
I'm gonna miss spending regular time with these darlings, but I keep reminding them (and myself) that nobody is moving away. They and I live nearby. There aren't even any stoplights between my house and theirs.
And if you made it through all of that, you must really care about me and/or these kids. And you may be a little teary-eyed right now!
The End.
totally fighting back the tears. such a sweet post, Amy. love, love, love!
ReplyDeleteAw, Amy, it would be hard to close that chapter, but yes, you will see them many more times (just in a different way). And I'm so excited for your expanding family too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all the photos; so sweet.
Tears are streaming down my face. You've been such a help and encouragement to that sweet family for so long. I cannot imagine you not being there regularly any more. I remember when I recommended you for that job, I was a little frustrated at myself because I knew we were losing an amazing babysitter who loved our kids as her own as well. But I am so glad it worked out. You've made a difference. For a lot of little people. Love you, Miss Amy.
ReplyDeleteyeah, your kids grew up on me too. *sniff sniff*
DeleteLove you too! So much!
Two little words seem so inadequate, but I'll say them anyway...Thank You! Thank you for loving my children as your own; thank you for being a calming influence in their lives; thank you for giving so much of yourself over these past nine years. I'm frankly not sure what I'll do without you...I really don't want to turn the next page in our life book and start a new chapter, but I know it's time. Our family will always be there for you and your sweet family. I'm looking forward to meeting Miss Elizabeth and I know that Molly is looking forward to babysitting someday :) Lots of new adventures await!!!
ReplyDeleteit has been such an honor to grow so close to you and the kids. i'm pretty reluctant to see a page turned that doesn't have us walking as closely as before. but, i plan to be a presence of some kind on every chapter those kids have!
ReplyDeleteThanks for making me always feel like a valued family member!
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ReplyDeleteOops - hit a weird button...Anyways, what I meant to say was - Great post and makes me so happy to see how your families have blessed each other over the years. Community and connection are so important for our little ones I think :)
ReplyDelete