Goodbyes

Yesterday I had an incredibly heartwarming goodbye party at work. Everyone in the office surprised me with 2 big bags full of goodies to bring with me to China. The first was a travel bag with a million useful travel items, such as hand sanitizer, magazines and books. The second was full of delicousness: Starbursts, gumballs, sour gummy worms and of course, Ramen Noodles. I was extremely overwhelmed with the kindness that everyone showed me. My mentor Carolyn, who got me the travel bag, had organized the gift extravaganza and I'm going to miss her, and everyone in the office, a lot. Barbara got me a journal and everyone added their personal touches to the gift. Zuleika also got me a SNUGGIE—the blanket with sleeves. I think I owe her my life for that one. Heidi gave me an art journaling kit complete with a ton of different art supplies and an art journal that she decorated. Since she is a registered Art Therapist, she also included personalized instructions on art journaling and other self-exploration through art. This very personal present came straight from the heart and it meant the world to me that she had put so much thought into it. Robin surprised me with a visit and everyone sent me off with a million hugs and well wishes.

Aaron drove down from Pittsburgh and arrived around 9:00 pm and helped me load the car. Afterwards, we drove to the Capital to pick Adam up at the Library of Congress. I offered to drive the first half and the three of us had a lively conversation the entire drive to keep each other awake. Even so, I started getting tired at 3:00 am and so Adam drove the rest of the way home. We arrived in Pittsburgh at 5:00 am and I gathered all my dorm and apartment stuff in one room and commenced to pack for China. By the time I had packed everything on the suggested packing list, 3 hours had passed and my suitcases were full so I declared that mission accomplished. 3 of my best friends from high school--Grace, Amy and Lisa—came over a little bit later. I was incredibly happy to see them again and we sat in the living room and had girl talk. I probably could have spent another 6 hours with them, but they had a leave and I also had to catch my flight to Salt Lake City. So I said my goodbyes to them and I was sad to see them drive away.

After Adam drove my sister and I to the airport, I also had to say goodbye to him, which makes my chest tighten up when I think about it. I’m going to see him in only 4 months, but I really don’t care right now. I’m just really sad. I was glad I had my sister to distract me so I didn't start crying and I've been trying not to think about it. It’s a good thing I worked in military family policy this past year. Knowing that there are thousands of spouses and kids missing a military Service member who is in Iraq or Afghanistan on a 15-month deployment right now forces me to count my blessings. I was also thrilled that my sister came in to town from Spain and that we were on the same flight to visit our parents in Salt Lake City. We talked for a couple hours at the gate since our flight was delayed, and it was great to catch up with her. I'm now in Salt Lake City and am excited to spend the next few days with my family.