We had the privilege of hosting a few of our favorite people yesterday and today. Branden and Kilyan were in town for their father-son adventure and they slept over at our house. The kids love the DesCarpentries' and it's always a treat to spend time with them. Caden especially loved playing Legos with "the big boy" as he calls both of the older DesC boys.
The DesCarpentries were a huge part of our lives back in Arkansas (and still are). We did many "family" activities with them since neither of us had family close. We spent holidays together, did fun trips, had play dates, babysat each other's kids, etc. And because of this, Caden developed a special relationship with their kids (Brynna too, although it's different since she was a tiny baby when we moved).
When we moved, I always wondered what our relationship would be like. Would we be able to maintain friendship with this special family of 7 from so far away? Would my kids remember them? Would their kids still feel close to us?
God has blessed us in that those relationships remain in tact. My kids love the DesC's and talk about them frequently. And aside from family, they are most comfortable in their home. I love seeing my kids run all over their property, completely unaware of my presence and fully wrapped up in the playing with their friends. It's a special thing.
Today was hard though. Caden was extremely upset when it was time for KeiWei to leave. He was enjoying having such a great play mate. I offered to continue to play Legos and he told me that I'm not as good a builder, which is true.
So, as I sat there, holding my crying boy, I realized he was experiencing the same thing I had many, many times since moving. Caden kept saying, "I don't want them to leave." and "When will we see them again." My heart was breaking because of his hurt. All I could do was hold him and tell him I understood. Because I do. I feel the same way at times.
I miss my friends. I miss the deep relationships I spent years building. I don't like leaving them. I do feel lonely here at times. My family is great, but sometimes I just need a "better builder", that friend who can say the encouraging or challenging thing that my family can't.
It reminded me of the many times I've sat in my closet crying to my Heavenly Father about those feelings. I imagine Him holding me close, much like I did Caden, telling me that this hurt is temporal and that in time I will get to be with all those that I hold so dear.
But for now, we find a way to move forward…being thankful for the time we have.
