Saying Goodbye

Last week we said goodbye to our sweet friends that we built a life with over the past 11 years and I just wanted to say thank you to all the treasures I met in Texas. I will put them chronologically, because that just makes sense.

I found Zola Bud (Zoie) 11 years ago in Lubbock Texas running around a park. She would find someone to follow keeping her distance a safe 20 feet and run. For 3 weeks I saw her in this park alone and so I decided to attempt to take her home. I am not a dog person, so I was very scared to get too close, but after bribing her with food she let me get close enough to grab her. I realize it was stupid she could have been aggressive, but she went limp in my arms and so I loaded her up and took her home. She was extremely skittish, but with time we became really good buddies. We moved a lot over the years and she never liked the change, but we had each other and during some lonely times I was so thankful for her. This begs the question why did I choose to send her to live with my mom. Well, my sweet hubby is not and has never been a dog person, so from the beginning Zoie was a source of contention. Actually, I would say she was our number 1 reason for conflict and after 5 years I decided this much conflict was not good for a marriage no matter how much I love my sweet Zoie. My mom sweetly agreed to take her and I received this email reassuring me this was a good decision and she would have an amazing final years out in California.
I promise that I will do my best to give her a loving home and safe home. I just hope that she takes to me, and Jewel. I worry about her being away from you, it may take a while for her to be comfortable. I hope she will adjust okay. She will like it here, I am on 400 hundred acres, which I haven’t even been around the whole ranch yet, and there are horses and cattle. But, only my horse is close to the house. The rest are turned out, I go for days and do not see any of them. There is a large spring (pond) not to far from the house, that is a water hole, and once in a while they use that. So, there is a lot of room for her to roam on. I will keep her close to the house at first, and when she bonds with us, I can take her with me on the little trail rides I go on. Jewel goes, but she goes to the top of the hill, and waits for me, she is good for about ¼ mile and then there is a tree that she shades up with and she can see me as I ride. Anyway, I know this is hard for you to do, but please be reassured that I will do my best to make her feel at home.
I know that this probably sounds a little over the top, but I really feel like a lost a part of me when I put her on the plane, she really was a loyal companion through all the ups and downs of life.

When we moved to Dallas Zoie and I lived with Wayne and Susie Wellborn. They really were amazing to me and took us in as if we were family. Susie taught me more about Christ and was instrumental in my walk and Wayne showed me unconditional love.

I actually moved to Dallas for a boy, so when we split I had nothing except Zoie, so I was pretty overwhelmed. I decided to befriend one of my ex's childhood friends and his wife and I am so thankful for there sweet friendship. They always welcomed me as the 3rd wheel even when they were in the hospital having there 2nd child I was there the inter day.
Through my job I meet Holley a dear friend who cared for me and provided lots of fun memories.

When I started at Watermark the many people that I encountered were such a blessing, but my singles small group girls loved and challenged me to be a more devoted follower of Christ. My sweet friends Alyssa, Rachel and AE I will treasure them always.

When we made the huge life change and started having kiddos the Lord faithfully provided me with a group of girl friends who have shaped so much of who I am today as a wife an mother.

Katrina ,
The first thought that comes to my mind is how you are so intentional with pursuing people that need relationship. Whether it be those that need friends you are always so welcoming or those that need Christ you watch and you see a need and you do something about it. This is a special unique gift and I am thankful to have known someone who encourages me to do this more.
Jeri
When I think of you I think of gentle spirit. Honor emanates from you. Whether it is in the way you love your kiddos, your husband or friends. I always felt like you really cared to know about me and what was going on in my life. I really believe you taught me to be a better listener. You also taught me patience and kindness.
Courtney
Oh how to sum this up. You encourage me in so many ways. I love that you are always faithful to pray and it is genuine. I have learned from you a greater understanding of the power of prayer. I also have always admired your calm spirit. There have been many of time when I get frustrated with Cory or Caleb that I think of you and am encouraged to handle myself differently. You are an amazing mother and such an honoring wife. You have really helped me understand what a woman who loves the Lord should look like. You are strong yet gentle and quiet.

Elizabeth,
You and Ben have been so much a part of sharpening Cory and myself even though you probably weren’t always aware of how much you both impacted us. You are so thankful for the opportunity that we had to live close enough that we could ride bikes or walk to each other’s house and that we were able to really know you all. We had so much fun together. I have so many wonderful memories of our boys playing together and laughing until their bellies shook. Fun memories of putting them down and hanging out watching Lost, playing games or learning to be better parents. So much of my direction of parenting has you guys woven in it. I admire your strength, but the way you understand your role as wife and mother. I admire your uncompromising attention to detail, creativity and eye for quality. I had often thought about our boys growing up playing ball together and us watching and cheering on in joy not cursing that we had to be at another game.
Caren
I am so sad our boys don’t get to grow up together. You are a woman of amazing faith and I have been impacted greatly by that quality in you. I watched you walk beside your husband faithful and honoring to him knowing God had a plan. This has really encouraged me many times with Cory. I also admire how you are able to be confident in your friendships. Growth in my people pleasing has been huge for me and you were an influential part of it. I am going to miss you so much. Your hospitality and fun parties. I always felt very at home at your house.

Ginger
When I think of you the first thing that comes to mind is how dependable you are. I admire this quality so much. It is hard to find a person who you can really count on. Whether it be in how you get stuff done with excellence, the way you pursue your friendships or your role as a mom. You are a woman of quality.
Stacy
I remember when we worked together and we did the angel tree thing and nothing went according to plan, but you remained calm and all turned out amazing. You have such a gift of putting things together. Whether it be in your creative crafts, parties or events you are truly talented. I admire your eye for detail. I also admire the way you honor your husband and love your child.


I will miss them greatly, but I was thankful we got to say good-bye with a fun Birthday party for "Jackmame" with all of Caleb's dear friends.









Finally, I am so grateful for our community group and the way they have encourged us in our marriage and been so much fun getting to know.


Buttorffs
Thank you for always being honest about your struggles and for encouraging us to strive for more in our marriage. Dawn I have really enjoyed analyzing life with you. You are such a joy to visit with.
Liggitts
You guys have been so much fun to get to know and watching you grow in your processing has been such a pleasure. David we are going to miss your story time and Leeann thank you so much for loving Caleb so well and always changing yucky diapers with no complaint.
Clarks
We had so much fun the few times we have gotten to hang out. You guys are a blast and we are thankful you are going to add a really fun dynamic to the group we so value.
Sheltons
It has been such a treasure to be able to walk through the last couple years with you. Your family is such an answer to prayers. I so admire your hearts. Holly you have taught me more about forgivness than anyone before and Mike's gift of encouragement has been something I strive to be like. I have learned a lot from you in my role as mommy and wife. Mike you have been such an blessing to Cory and instrumental in making our marriage stronger. We love all of you and thankful for the friendships of Ellie and Anna.