Fond Farewell

Denial. That's where I've been these past few months. I kept hoping that if I didn't acknowledge the fact that Tonya was moving, it wouldn't actually happen. I finally had to overcome my denial and so today I said a sad goodbye to a dear friend. Actually, I said the sad goodbye yesterday. Then I said a happy goodbye today. Then I felt like crawling up in a little ball and sobbing. Then I ate some chocolate.

You know the kind of friend who you talk to every day and hang out for no reason at all, and it's always fun no matter what? The kind of friend who makes you want to be a better person, but loves you even when you're not. Someone you can call late at night without worrying about how late it actually is. A friend that you can call at the drop of the hat for babysitting, and whose kids you love so much that you never worry about who owes the other one more babysitting, because it doesn't matter and it all evens out in the end, and you'd do it for them a million times even if they never could repay the favor. You know that kind of friend?

That's the kind of friendship we have. And while I'm going to miss the every day interaction, and the laughing at ourselves, and the many, many trips to the park, I'm so grateful for the opportunity I had to share a little part of my life with this amazing lady.

Of course we'll miss ALL of the Shallenbergers. I know there are some teenagers who have had the course of their lives forever changed because of Rob's influence. And Robbie is such a fun little character, so full of life and adventure. Little Lana is one of the few babies that has ever given me more baby cravings with her beautiful smile and sweet nature. And of course I don't know who will protect Kendall and tell other kids off when Bella is not around to do it. There's nowhere Kendall would rather be than with Bella.

So to Tonya, I say thank you for all you've taught me through your example, all the fun times, the presidency meetings that seemed more like a party, and for always being there. And thanks for reminding me of the value of friendship--I haven't taken the time lately to let some of my friends know how much they mean to me, but you've reminded me that it's worth the effort to have good friends.

I'll miss you guys. You rock.