"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same."
I came across this quote about 2o years ago and it truly resonates. Growing up as a military dependent and now being a military spouse, I have had the opportunity to meet some truly amazing individuals and families. It is never easy to pack up and move every three years as most often you are having to say "goodbye" to the friends you have made and more often than not, become part of the family.
Last summer as we departed our beloved Okinawa, we had to say "Sayonara" to some great neighbors, the Hardings. Todd and Erin, along with their kids Taryn and Ian, were extremely generous, hospitable, and just plain "Awesome." It was tough knowing the endless afternoons spent in the communal backyard, playing on the swing set, eating popsicles, hopping from house to house, and sipping Sangria and Beer would be a thing of the past. Treasured memories and promises of seeing one another in the future made the "goodbye" easier. 
Fast forward to July 2009, we learn that Erin was hit by a drunk driver while on her bike. She sustained injuries to her hip, back and pelvis. Next thing we know, Erin, a tri-athelete, was going to be medevac'd to San Diego for further observations, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Todd and the kids quickly packed up the house and moved to San Diego within 12 days of Erin's accident. I must mention that a move to and from Okinawa is no easy task with two able bodied adults, however, under these circumstances it was an incredible amount of energy and effort expended on Todd's account!
With our trip to San Diego planned, I was so psyched that we would have the opportunity to see Erin and reconnect. Although, a hospital setting was not what either of us had imagined when we said goodbye last summer, it was such a blessing to have the opportunity to see her ALIVE after such a horrifying accident. As
Erin recuperates from six surgeries in 5+ weeks, Todd and the kids are trying to get settled into a "new" home and become familiar with a new city. Fortunately, San Diego is a great place to be relocated and I continue to pray that Erin will be able to join her family at home real soon!
The Moloko kids have LOVED Ms. Erin from day one. She is tough, strong and determined...their definition of FIERCE. She continually surprises those in the medical community with her perseverance and stamina. She is already up on her feet and learning to walk again. Amazing! When visiting Erin, she let the kids color on her back brace. They felt honored that they were the first and it was a "highlight" of our San Diego adventure.
I came across this quote about 2o years ago and it truly resonates. Growing up as a military dependent and now being a military spouse, I have had the opportunity to meet some truly amazing individuals and families. It is never easy to pack up and move every three years as most often you are having to say "goodbye" to the friends you have made and more often than not, become part of the family.
Last summer as we departed our beloved Okinawa, we had to say "Sayonara" to some great neighbors, the Hardings. Todd and Erin, along with their kids Taryn and Ian, were extremely generous, hospitable, and just plain "Awesome." It was tough knowing the endless afternoons spent in the communal backyard, playing on the swing set, eating popsicles, hopping from house to house, and sipping Sangria and Beer would be a thing of the past. Treasured memories and promises of seeing one another in the future made the "goodbye" easier.
Proud to be Erin's friend
Fast forward to July 2009, we learn that Erin was hit by a drunk driver while on her bike. She sustained injuries to her hip, back and pelvis. Next thing we know, Erin, a tri-athelete, was going to be medevac'd to San Diego for further observations, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Todd and the kids quickly packed up the house and moved to San Diego within 12 days of Erin's accident. I must mention that a move to and from Okinawa is no easy task with two able bodied adults, however, under these circumstances it was an incredible amount of energy and effort expended on Todd's account!
With our trip to San Diego planned, I was so psyched that we would have the opportunity to see Erin and reconnect. Although, a hospital setting was not what either of us had imagined when we said goodbye last summer, it was such a blessing to have the opportunity to see her ALIVE after such a horrifying accident. As
Erin recuperates from six surgeries in 5+ weeks, Todd and the kids are trying to get settled into a "new" home and become familiar with a new city. Fortunately, San Diego is a great place to be relocated and I continue to pray that Erin will be able to join her family at home real soon!
The Moloko kids have LOVED Ms. Erin from day one. She is tough, strong and determined...their definition of FIERCE. She continually surprises those in the medical community with her perseverance and stamina. She is already up on her feet and learning to walk again. Amazing! When visiting Erin, she let the kids color on her back brace. They felt honored that they were the first and it was a "highlight" of our San Diego adventure.
1 comments:
I am completely speechless, and as you know for me is pretty darn hard! When you left the stomping ground, it was so hard, but understand due to the military lifestyle. When I saw you and the kids show up when I was in the hospital, it was such a gift, one that I can't ever put a price on. Just seeing those babies, and you my dear friend, was sunshine in that dreary hospital room. One day I know we will be close by...I feel it! And what a time that will be! I love you guys so much! :)
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