Week of Lasts

This week is my week of lasts...last week to, fill in the blank.  Last week to have lunch with a friend, or go to dinner with a neighbor.  It's my last book club, my last get together with my Bible study small group friends.  And it's my last Sunday at our church.  Yes, it's my week of lasts.  I will never again walk this same path again, it is the last.  The end.  And that makes me sad.

It has me waxing nostalgic.  I am reminded constantly of other times, past times, my memories are flooding through my head at warp speed.  Almost to the point of being unable to stop them.  5 years of a mountain full of wonderful memories of awesome friends in a remarkable town.

Between the town, our church, our neighbors, and friends--between Chicago and outlying suburbs--I believe that we have been blessed abundantly.  It's overwhelming.  For it is my last week to--cook in my little one butt kitchen, sit and look at my river, walk through my neighborhood, walk the river walk, eat at my favorite restaurants, read in my living room, use my famous coffee bar, Friday morning coffee with friends, neighborhood parties, and oh so much more.  Yes, it is a week of lasts.  I am so very thankful for all I have been blessed with, all those I've met, all that I have experienced while living here.  I shudder to think of what I would have missed out on had I not moved here 5 years ago.

It's funny though, I remember moving here 5 years ago, kicking and screaming (OK, really just crying and pouting) I hated what was happening to me.  I was being torn from my family and friends--moving to parts unknown and I was desperately heartbroken.  And here I am again.  Almost (but not quite) in the same position.  And although this time I am not kicking and screaming, I sure am crying.  My heart sure is breaking.  I hate to leave my little life here.  I have grown to not only love my friends, but I have grown to love my little town.  And now, I have to say goodbye.  I have to leave...again!

So yes, this is my week of lasts.  One of the saddest weeks of my life.  I hate goodbyes.  I hate leaving.  I hate this week of lasts.  I really do.