Summer of "So Longs"

 

We have had to say "so long" to some friends this summer.  It sounds much better than goodbye.  One such friend is a young man named Frankie, whom we grew to love like family.  In fact, he is now part of our family in Christ.  

Frankie moved to another foster home today.  We know this is a good move for him and pray that this may be his forever family.  But we will miss him so.  We have shared lots of great times together since we met him nearly three years ago.

God placed him in two different foster homes within our church.  We camped together and enjoyed having him in our home numerous times. It has been a blessing to see Frankie come out of his shell, mature, and thrive.  He is such a gentleman now.

Frankie will be living in a town not too far away and we intend to keep in touch.  The Lord has done amazing things in the life of this precious young man and we believe God's hand will continue to hold him fast.

We also had to say "so long" to the Thompson family about a month ago.  Although we met them just last summer, it was like we have known them forever. Nathan played soccer with Drake this past year and Kinley was on Corinna's team.  We spent many hours with this sweet family on and off of the soccer field.  

A job transfer them to Ohio.  They still have family in Lexington so we know we will see them when they return to North Carolina.  Meanwhile, there is a lot of texting taking place, as well as phone calls and Face Time.  

We have been invited to their home in Ohio and hope to take a road trip in the fall or winter. I don't have a picture of Chris or Aprile, but what a great pair they are!

We know that God puts people in our lives sometimes just for a season.  We are thankful for these friends He has given.  Though we will miss seeing them regularly, their presence in hearts will not fade.

The old school Michael W. Smith song lyrics keep coming to mind: 

"We'll keep you close as always, it won't even seem you've gone.  Cause our hearts in big and small ways will keep the love that keeps us strong. And friends are friends forever of the Lord's The Lord of them.  And a friend will not say never,  cause the welcome will not end.  Though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's Hands we know....a lifetime's not too long, to live as friends."