Wednesday, November 15, 2006

No Time to Blog!

I've been bad...I know. I haven't updated since we sold our house. I guess that's been what's kept me so busy lately because I swear it feels like yesterday that I posted that blog! Goodness. Life around here is officially nuts. There are so many crazy details involved with checking out of the Marine Corps and moving halfway across the country. I'm still teaching piano up until next Tuesday, and praise the Lord I had my last high school concert last night! What a relief. We also made a trip to Texas for Molly's shower, Kendall's shower, and HSU homecoming. It was so great to see everyone, and it made us even more excited to hurry up and move home.

Last weekend, we drove up to Virginia basically to have some closure to this whole Marine Corps experience. Quantico, Virginia is where it all began when Ryan went to Officer Candidates School in 2001. It's crazy to think that we were just dating then! We never could have imagined all that we would go through over the next 5 and a half years...good and bad. After we walked around Ryan's "old stompin' grounds" as he calls it, we drove up to Annapolis to see my friend Joanna. It was so good to see her, and as always she blew me away. Her husband, John, and Ryan were in Infantry Officers Course together. He was killed in Iraq in April 2004. She is one of the most optimistic and inspirational people I know. She has taken what was the lowest point in her life and developed a passion for helping other widows and family members in her situation with an organization called TAPS...Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. It's incredible to see how far she's come in 2 years. After Joanna's, we drove out to Robin & Will's new house in Manassas, VA. I got to go to Robin's baby shower, which was lots of fun. The Gazes' have been friends and "family" to us since we first moved away from Texas, so we didn't say goodbye to them...just "see ya later". Even though we'll be a few states apart now, they're stuck with us for life whether they like it or not! ha ha Before we headed home on Sunday, we knew we had one more stop to make. Unfortunately we know several people buried at Arlington Cemetery, so we went to pay our respects. It is so humbling to even set foot on that place. I can't stomach the fact that gravestone upon gravestone were names we know...my friends' husbands, Marines Ryan served with, Marines who taught him, and Marines he led. All I could do was thank God that I was standing there with my husband who is home SAFE and healthy. I will never take that for granted as long as I live.

So...here we are 5 days before our movers come, and we have offically packed 3 boxes. Yep--that's it. I guess I still can't believe that in one week, we will be sitting in an empty house. Our furniture will be loaded and on its way to Houston, and we'll be following shortly thereafter with the last of our things. We'll technically be "homeless" for 2 weeks because we can't move into our apartment until December 8th. It'll be fun seeing family and enjoying some "us" time though. We are supposed to close on our house on Monday, the 20th, but things don't always work according to plan, so I'm praying daily for patience, sanity, and as little stress as possible. Hope you enjoyed the update...I'm going to go pack now. :-)

6 comments:

campers said...

What is that about???? Someone has too much time on their hands!
Sarah, you had me in tears reading that blog! I want you to know that you have been so strong and optimistic also. You are an inspiration from what you have been through, and I respect you and your role as a supportive wife. Not once, through 3 deployments did you EVER say a negative word! You are awesome and I think the world of you! I am so glad y'all are moving back home! I love u!

Laura said...

Hi Sarah! Texas missed you! Your blog made me cry! I am so proud of your life and what you have gone through! Words can't convey coherently what I struggle to say but you are an inspiration! Lots of love to you and yours!

Anonymous said...

WOW!! How strong and amazing you all are!! I can only imagine... Remember call when you get to Houston we can get together. Have fun packing. :)

crazymom said...

It was so great to see you two the other weekend. We had missed you guys so much. Right when you two walked out the door Sunday, Jackie Rose said.." I go Texas too..." Can I say that brought tears to my eyes! Then that night she went into baby brothers room were daddy was taking down ya'lls bed. She yelled Daddy, What you doing to my Sarah's bed.. UHHH. She loves you guys so much. I know all your Texas family is so happy to have you guys back,, but I have to admit,, It kills me to think of how far apart we will be! UHHH.It sure has been a great ride though! You, Ryan, and of course the babies will always be our family! You both have blessed us so much, w/ friendship and helping to foster our friendship w/ God! I cherish our time together and am looking forward to finally stepping on Texas soil,,even if it is Cowboy territory! I know we will talk ,,, But see you in a few months,, w/ new baby willie!! Rc

Finally an Abrigg..... said...

oh me oh myyyyyyyyyyyyy, i thought about you this week and the tornado. i hate tornado's. how weird is it to close that chapter of your lives and to open a new one. wow. and i'm excited that i will get to see you as i get to start a new chapter in my life! i love you guys!

Anonymous said...

That's it. I am just going to have to come to Texas for coffee because I can't think about saying goodbye to you.