...till we meet again

I'm sitting here surrounded by boxes and wrapped furniture and I had to somehow release all these emotions that I am feeling. At the tip, I believe I am feeling a little excitement for what the future holds, but deeper down, I am feeling grief. I guess I'm grieving for time passing...somehow, the moment I knew which university I would be attending, every high school activity became sacred because it would be the last. I know that this is a unique idiosyncrasy that I have, even as a young child, I remember bidding adieu to my Cabbage Patch doll, Ronnie, and telling her that I would be in middle school next year and could no longer associate with 'dolls.' I've always made change such a dramatic thing in my life...for better or for worse, I hate it.

But as I begin to sulk in my grief and hatred for change, I realize that even within our time in Kemmerer there has been much change...in fact, some of the greatest changes of my life occurred while living in this home...our marriage, our first born child, his first steps, words, laughs will all be remembered as happening in Kemmerer. So, as I delve even deeper into the myriad of feelings I am having, I become cognizant of a more profound emotion: gratitude. I am so grateful to so many people and how they have affected our lives, the Erickson's, who never judge us for our sometimes long absence in our friendship and always welcome us with open arms when we call, The Deardens (Big and Little) would we even be married without you guys?,

Jill Allen for cooking your first Thanksgiving turkey with me, for Holly who shared in a lot of sadness...but everything for a reason, the Hogan's who just were a great couple of look up to in so many ways, but just as fun to just hang out with, Sandal's thanks for being great neighbors, even when I showed up at your doorstep and scared the crap out of Colton, Peterson's,Hubbard's, Meagan & Chase, the saddest part of your arrival was that we knew we were exiting and try as we might, we still got hooked on your coolness!

Jackie Holt, worlds' most tireless worker...she is what you get if you google, 'magnify your calling.', Gigi, I'm not sure you know how important what you created, and work so tirelessly at, is to us and to all of Kemmerer, Deb Archibald, what will we do every July...come to Kemmerer for Fossil Fest!!!!

...Nancy Ellis, it actually pains my heart to think of anyone else teaching Max in nursery, who will know and love each of these kids like you...who will actually prepare lessons and games that teach them of the gospel, I've been to other wards, they don't compare to you,

Lump & Dan, I think Max would have been naked the entire first year of his life if it were not for you and Braydon!!! and Dan, pretty much you kept our house in tact and functioning! You guys were a part of the Phillips family before I was, so, no good-byes...just a heartfelt Thanks!

We wanted to drive around and tell each of you in person how much you mean to us...but realized that we'd need weeks to get everyone, there are many who will never know how they've touched or inspired us, we will take a piece of you where ever we go. Thank you and we wistfully bid you, 'Adieu...till we meet again.'