You know it is so hard to say goodbyes. In fact, I really hate saying goodbyes. It just makes reality set in and is so hard to leave the people and friends youve made over a certain amount of time. I know thats just a part of life but it sure is difficult. I must admit leaving GF wont be as hard as leaving Dubuque and Wartburg Seminary but it still is hard. Tonight was my last night at work. Crazy that I never will have to take any more fast food orders…crazy huh. One of the girls left this note in my address book and it totally put a smile on my face. It said,” Tara, I am so glad that I got to know you. You are one of the most special and down to Earth people I have ever met. I will truly miss you but I am so glad you found your calling. Call me anytime day or night, holiday or not. Thanks for being you.” Lets just say those words made me realize what a gift God has given me…creating me to be me! I know that I will continue to have to say goodbye throughout my life but I pray that GOd helps me to pray my goodbyes. In praying our goodbyes, I think it is so much easier to let go. I hope that in the next months as we all say goodbyes, we realize what a wonderful and important impact these people we have loved, laughed and lived together with have had on our lives. Tonight may we all ask God to help us to pray our Goodbyes but also may we also thank God for the many wonderful blessings God has brought into our lives as well. And instead of saying Goodbye tonight, Im just going to say See ya later and leave it at that. It doesnt seem quite as final as saying goodbye so Later!