Goodbye Is Never Easy...

But at least, this time, it is only temporary... 9 weeks to be exact. Last Saturday we gathered with family  and friends at US Pizza Company to hang out with Kayla one last time before she heads off to Basic Training in Oklahoma. We had a fun time and I know Kayla enjoyed getting to see everyone.

Kayla with her cake!

Kayla with Aunt Mary, Harvey,
William & Haley!

Kayla's friends, Tracy and Rachel!

Carol & Kayla!

Aunt Becky, Ashten & Chloe

Kayla & Nanny!

Three girls plus Mom, Dad, & Nanny!

Aunt Kayla & Wyatt!

Sunday night, the Watkins had Kayla over for dinner to wish her well. It was a fun time and I heard more stories about what Basic Training entails. I probably could have gone without the stories! Josh told Kayla goodbye as did the Watkins. I know she enjoyed and appreciated the dinner.

Monday, Kayla had to go to her recruiter's office for some last minute things and then the recruiter drove her to the Peabody. Wyatt and I drove to Little Rock to see her Monday night one last time. We had dinner at Gusano's as a family.

Mom, Kevin, Kayla & Carol after dinner!

Shortly after this picture was taken Wyatt and I said our goodbyes to Kayla. I had been a wreck all day long! Of course, it wasn't easy saying goodbye...I think I must have cried for two days straight. I have never experienced anyone moving away or leaving for an extended period of time....oh, it is torturous! It feels like a piece of my heart is being torn! I know Kayla will do great! I am so proud of her, but it still hurts to be without her. I'm hoping she has time to write lots of letters and I'm hoping these 9 weeks go quickly!

She stayed the night at the Peabody with plans of getting up early Tuesday morning, going to MEPS, and then shipping out to Oklahoma (I'm starting to catch on to this military lingo). While getting her last physical the doctor told her she was underweight and he did not want to send her on to Basic Training. After some begging and persuading she convinced him to let her go since she is otherwise healthy. Next, she went to the airport with the expectation of boarding her plane at 3:50. American Airlines had computer issues and Kayla's flight was cancelled. So, she went back to the Peabody for one more stay. I tried to tell her this must be a sign...she wasn't buying it! ; )

So, now her flight leaves at 6:00 am (o'six hundred) tomorrow, Wednesday, morning. I told her tonight that all these goodbyes are killing me. It's hard to think about your little sister and best friend being gone for so long and even harder when you know you can't talk or text. She is very strong mentally and physically. I have no doubt she will do great! 

"Be strong and courageous, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you may go."Joshua 1:9

My prayer for Kayla is that she stays strong and courageous and finds comfort in knowing she is not alone even though she will be in a place where she doesn't know anyone, at first.