Change can be so hard. Right now my husband and I are facing a very difficult change in our lives. Our daughter and son-in-law (who is like a son) and our three precious little grand-daughters are getting ready to move to Colorado. We have been so blessed to have them live here in Florida just ten minutes away from us for almost ten years now. It has been such a joy to have them so close by. We have made so many memories together. I am so grateful for every moment. Two weeks from right now they will be on their way to a new adventure. I feel as though my heart will break. I’m sad for them leaving, but I’m also sad for the reason as well. Our son-in-law’s father has stage 4 cancer for the second time. We are praying for a miracle for this man we are privileged to call friend.
As hard as all this is, I do recognize that change is a time for growth. There will be lots of growing pains for my daughter, who happens to be my best girlfriend, our grands, and us. We will become stronger and better for it. I was telling our oldest grand-daughter this morning as we were on a walk, when she finds herself starting to feel really sad, to choose to think about the wonderful memories and the new adventure that lies ahead. There is always something to be joyful about even in the midst of a difficult time. I also reminded her that we are only a phone call away. I am ever so thankful that it’s not like it used to be when my kids were little and we lived far away from my parents. It cost a fortune back then to call long distance. Now we have Skype, Facetime, unlimited talking and texting. My daughter and I won’t be cooking together in my kitchen but we can Skype and cook at the same time if we want to. Technology truly is a blessing.
We will still get to watch our precious grands grow up from afar. And yes, I will be hopping a plane every chance I can to go and explore Colorado with our sweet girls.
Another thing I am thankful for is being friends with our son-in-law’s parents. They have stayed in our home on more than one occasion when they came to visit and now they have said their home is always open to us. We got to see our kids and watch our precious grands grow from babies to now, ages 10, 9, and 6 and it’s only fair for their other Papa and Nana to get to spend quality time with them.
Will this change be hard? Absolutely. But I know that we will all grow from it and when God closes one door, He always opens another. I am so grateful that I have a heavenly Father who loves me so much and will give me the courage and strength to face this new adventure in life.
The GO! Kitchen 
Jan, thank you for your kindness toward us. Your attitude is a perfect example of grace. I’ve never walked in your shoes (saying “see you later” to my only grandchildren), but I have walked on the same path (as I’ve experienced challenging and sad changes), and it leaves a huge void in the heart. My heart aches for you. I am so very grateful that you know and rely on our Lord! I know He has been with you through every trial you’ve endured, and was found faithful every time. I, too, am thankful that we share friendship. It’s a wonderful rarity to have so many commonalities to share and enjoy! Rex and I love and appreciate you and Tim and look forward to seeing you soon – in Florida – then soon thereafter in Colorado!
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Thank you so much for your kind words Debie. I know they come from your heart. I look forward to our time together here in Florida and in Colorado. We are praying for Rex and believing for God’s best. Praying for you as well sweet friend. Blessings.
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Dear pastor Jan , thank you for every word of encouragement .My oldest daughter is in heaven and two live in NY . I miss my children and my grand children, but to love is to let go . Thank God that there is a day soon coming that we’re all going to be together for all eternity. Love you and pastor Tim , thank you again for giving Luis and me so much support and demonstration of love in this time of trial in our lives. God continue to bless you both , Amen !!!
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