We never stop growing up, I guess...

I hope the afternoon finds everyone well...

It's almost time for me to leave my kids with the sitter. Not so happy about leaving, either. I have come to realize how much of their lives I have missed, at the same time, what an influence I have been. I never have picked up on that. These kids are amazing. They have each, in their own way, grown to be something magnificant.

I think back to this past week...It's not just them who has grown and changed...it's me too. Some of what used to set me off, just rolls off my back. I have alot more patience for things I never did before...I make more time for them, of course, while I am around. Partly because I know I am headed back to Fayetteville, and not just down the street and will be heading back over tomorrow. I guess alot of my time before was just taken for granted...I have also realized, in knowing these kids, I know four really incredible people.

They are four very different people. All amazing though. Now, don't get me wrong, they have, as we all do, their own little quirks and their "moments".

It all started when I was driving the boys to school this morning. It was a quiet ride. Neither of them are morning folks, so, I have to bite my tongue so I won't get on their nerves too early in the morning. I just want to talk to them...LOL...I could just talk and talk and talk...and learn more and more about their lives and who they are...So, as I drove in the quiet, I just reflected on my past week with them and how much I have enjoyed every moment. There was not one moment when I looked forward for today to come. I don't want to leave them at all!

Well, then I got a phone call this morning from the kids' aunt letting me know their grandmother had passed away. Now my kids' parents are out of the country...Well, I was thinking ever since then...I am not promised another chance to be with these kids. I am not promised another breath.

WOW! I mean, I doubt any of their family thought they were saying goodbye to their grandmother for the last time the last time they saw her or spoke to her over the phone.

Well, I will miss these kids in an absolutely immeasurable way...I know there has been periods of time where I didn't keep in touch like I should have...I am going to try my very best to not let so much of their lives go by without staying in touch...

So, what I have to say...Live your life on your best behavior, as it's the last day, and to those you say a very casual goodbye to, you might want to re-think the casualness in that goodbye...

I love most of you (and I really do mean it...)