Farewell to the Wolski's

This week has definitely been one of the hardest emotional weeks of my life.  My sister, Staci and her family, are moving to Thailand.  It is a wonderful adventure for them all, but bittersweet for all of us. 
The Wolski Family came to visit last weekend before embarking on their journey.  We hung out at the pool, telling stories and laughing at anything and everything while watching the kids do tricks in the pool.  It reminds me, when have enjoyed the water all our lives.  We both grew up swimming in pools, rivers, lakes, and the ocean.  Neither of us strangers to a mud puddle in Grandma Childree's yard, it seems we could be found where water was!  I think it fitting, we surrounded our last visit before their departure, at the pool!  We also have had wonderful experiences around food.  Some of the best family experiences, in my opinion, always has food involved!  We gather around a table to share our experiences, whether it's just about everyday mundane or extraordinary.  While here, we had homemade chicken salad sandwiches and wraps, my husband Philip's favorite grilled chicken, lady peas, butter beans, macaroni and cheese, brown rice casserole, and my brother in law Pat's famous grilled hamburgers and french fries.  I also took them to Ingleside Village Pizza to enjoy the BEST pizza atmosphere in Macon, Georgia!  I do look forward to learning about Thai food and culture from my sister halfway around the world!
We had so much fun visiting, I did not want them to leave.  I held on to Staci for so long before they left, just taking in all the energy from her I could get.  We finally let go, she got in the van and I stood there, watching, as their van disappeared.  As I got in my car, I could not contain the floods from rushing down my face.  I drove, disoriented, not knowing where to go or what to do.  For the next couple of days, it was as if I were mimicking the movements of my life, not really coherent.  Philip told me he would drive me to Atlanta Saturday to see her off; which was the BEST gift he could have ever given me!!! 
Saturday arrived, Philip and I got up early and left for Atlanta.  There was still so much to be done before their flight and we helped them get things started.  Philip worked on the electronic equipment while I helped unpack and repack all their suitcases.  We weighed and re-weighed to get the weight equal and packed and re-packed until it was done.  Staci and I lay down for a quick power nap, but didn't get to sleep.  We started tickling each other until we both were laughing hysterically!  During which, Hailley took pictures and Chris jumped on top of us telling us it was time to leave for supper.  We drove to Smyrna for our last meal, which was Mexican at The Border.  It was Staci's last meal in the United States request.  On the way back to the hotel, I called mom and put her on speaker phone for all to hear.  I let momma talk to Staci because she has been a frantic mess!  I could tell momma didn't want to get off the phone, but we all knew they had to.  After saying her goodbye's to mom, we hung up and I called daddy.  I also put daddy on speaker phone and let him talk to everyone as well. We finally pulled into the hotel parking lot and finished our conversation as we piled out of the party wagon.  We had one more bag to finish, so we headed upstairs and got busy.  It was soon time for Philip and me to depart, allowing the Wolski family to get some much needed sleep.  Before we left, I lay down on the bed facing Staci, held her hands in mine and sang softly to her my prayer;
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind blow at your back
May the sun shine warmly on your face
May the rain fall softly on your field
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of His hands.
We are each other's FINK and we do everything fun together, but not this fun thing!  I am there with you, in Spirit, my beautiful best friend, my heart, my soul, my sister.