A new phase begins

It is a little emotional around our house this weekend.
On Tuesday Tamara will be taking Laura up to Chicago to start a new job.  We have known we would have to cross this bridge eventually, but it is much harder than we expected.
On one hand it is a perfect job...
Ralph and Evelyn are a dear older couple in Chicago that Tamara knew when she was growing up.  Evelyn is getting forgetful and Ralph can't drive anymore.  They have been able to live on their own until now, but now need someone to live with them, take them to doctor appointments and be available to help them if needed.  Laura will be able to continue working on her online Associates degree and she will will only be a couple miles from Grandpa and Grandma.

But it was a little sudden...

Earlier this week Ralph and Evelyn asked Jeff if he knew anyone who would be available to help them and Thursday after Daryl's funeral, Jeff mentioned it to Laura.  Thursday evening Laura talked to Ralph and Evelyn's daughter and all of the sudden she is leaving!

We are going to miss her

She has been a big part of our life for almost 18 years (she will turn 18 next Saturday) and we can't imagine what life will be like with out her here with us.  We will miss the times she sits at the piano and plays by ear.  The times she and her sisters sing together and make up harmonies as they go.  We will miss piles of clean laundry (several years ago she appointed herself the chief laundry lady and does 3 - 5 loads everyday!)  We will miss her Godly influence and kind heart.  Her sisters are going to miss their best friend.  Her brothers are going to miss their piano teacher and tutor. We're going to miss her.

We know this is not a permanent arrangement and we will see her again, but we also know that she is leaving home and it will never be exactly like it was before.  It is hard to let go of our little girl, but we are glad she can stretch her wings and fly on her own.  We are looking forward to her coming back to visit the nest before too long.
-Todd