A month of good-byes

I hate saying good-bye.

Especially when it is someone that is dear to my heart.

But in the last three weeks I have had to say good-bye to two people I am very fond of.

First we said good-bye to Jenn. Free spirit, fun-loving, always laughing, kookie, giant-hearted, flip-flop loving Jenn.

She was the Associate Minister of our church who at last conference was re-appointed. We are excited that she is getting her very own church. She will be awesome and the new congregation is so lucky to have her.

Meet Jenn- We threw her farewell luau:

I doubt she'll be wearing this stole during her services at church but it is almost guaranteed you'll find it hanging up on her wall at her office. There is something that represents not only her individuality, but every aspect we love about her on this garment.

We are excited for you Jenn. And we love you.....and if you aren't careful - you'll see us sitting one Sunday in your pews for a surprise visit!

The second good-bye I said this month was just this week.

It was to my friend Tracie, a beautiful, 31 year old, mother, daughter, friend and wife. She went into the hospital on May 13 with a serious lung issue and even though her mind and spirit were strong, her body was not able to pull her through the illness.

She died on Tuesday, July 6th.

She started as a co-worker and ended up as a dear friend. As the years went on, my daughter babysat her sons, we talked together, had fun together, had a few drinks together, continued to work together and best of all- we were friends. She was a sassy little southern girl from Tupelo Mississippi who transplanted in northern Missouri. She was her own unique personality and she never knew a stranger. She was so full of life it is hard to believe she is even gone.

My heart aches.

For the loss of such a vibrant life.

For the loss of a mother who leaves behind three very young boys.

The loss of a friend.

For everything she could have been.

For everything she was.

I love you Tracie.

It is too hard to say much of anything else so I will leave you with a small photo tribute to my friend.

Tracie and her three boys

Tracie, our friend Tarrah and me hamming it up during a trip to Branson, Mo last fall.

Titanic was her favorite movie

Tracie and Tarrah cheesing it up on the Duck Ride

I tried to tell her those ruby slippers wouldn't take her back to Mississippi

RIP Tracie - we are all going to miss you.