Good bye...

So, I've been around the military life for (oh...) over 12 years now.
I can remember way back in the beginning, when I was "in," how terribly difficult it was for me to have to say "good bye" to the friends that I had made. All in all, it just sucked, and I was pitiful! I hated knowing that there was a good chance that I might not see that friend of mine ever again... and in most cases that was true, that's just how Army life goes. Thppt!
I had a pretty predictable ritual... I'd say good bye - hunt the nearest phone booth down - call my mom - sob endlessly while she consoled me with typical mom suggestions on letting go.

Of course (silly me...) felt that she didn't understand - which brings with it a whole other topic of "why did I even call my mom in the first place?" BUT one thing I always remember her telling me was that she was "sure that as time goes on it will get easier and it won't be so hard, you'll do fine."


Right now we are at a point where people are leaving left and right. I feel like I'm having to say "see ya" almost everyday. Compared to how I was twelve years ago, I'm practically at the other end of the spectrum. I certainly have not called my mom and I don't even think she is aware that I'm having to do this without her advice!! Maybe it's because I'm older. Maybe it's because I've had lots of practice (like she said.) Maybe it's because I've become this super wise woman that can handle anything that comes her way... yeah, right!
Or maybe it is just because I'm ready... ready to make our move, to embark on a new chapter, to leave behind some (but not all) of the things that being stationed here has entailed. Ready to be closer to family and closer to all the things that I am most comfortable with (ie - smaller town living.)


Whatever it may be...
"Good bye, I'll miss you. I wish you the best at your new duty station!"
Take care,
Heidi