Realization brings sadness

My husband graduated Saturday from medical school. I am so proud of him, and of us. We worked hard these last four years together to keep a happy home and family while he was busy studying. We have worked hard to get through low times and enjoyed happy times. We have learned a lot from each other and have both grown up a lot in the last four years.

My mom, sister, grandmother, grandfather, and aunt came up for his graduation as well as his family. We all had a great time together knowing that Shawn, Jeanne and I are fixing to move. We ate after graduation and mom and my sister watched Jeanne that night while Shawn and I celebrated. The next day, mom and my sister were packing up and taking Jeanne with them for this week so Shawn and I could pack up the house. As they were fixing to leave, my sister gave me a big hug. That's when it hit: I don't know when the next time will be before I see her again. Being four hours away was hard enough, now we will be 8. 

I know, I know. Yes there are many families out there who are further apart than that, and they do just fine. You don't know my family. We survive and live off of the time we all spend together. My family makes up excuses to get together for a big lunch and be together. I am the first one in my dad's side of the family to be further than 30 minutes away from the rest of the family outside of college. As it is, for Christmas, my sister sat on my lap and told me that she wishes we could visit more. So, as happy as we are to move, I am saddended that I am not just a town away from everyone, and could just go visit at the drop of the hat. 

These pictures make me happy. The first is from 2001, when I was a senior in band and my sister was in the 8th grade, and just starting the high school band. The second is from 2005, when she was a junior going to prom. The third is from 2006, when she was going to her senior prom. The fourth is from 2007, my 5th high school reunion. The last is from 2009, my wedding day. She was my made of honor. :-)