Change

As I sit here in Algonquin in the middle of boxes and listen to meloncholy music, I have a few seconds to think about "The BIG Change." Tommorrow at 8:30am the Allied semi will pull up to our driveway and "The BIG Change" will be pushed into high gear.

Last night a neighbor hosted a going away party for the kids and me. It was so beautiful to see all the faces I've taken for granted for my years in Algonqnquin.

Shelby-When we first met I thought we had nothing in common. 8 years later you're the one I've come to for a fresh brewed cup of coffee and talks about kids, husbands, faith, dreams, and disappointments. Your door has always been open and the cup is quickly in my hand. Thanks for sharing your life!

Tom-I guess, last night should have been my graduation from the "Mr. Tom School of Home Improvement." There have been roofs, vines, torch set-ups, sewers, water sepage, gutter rerouting, rotting siding, jack hammer lessons, great grass seed, door installations, giant pieces of cement pulled out with your trusty rusty truck, termite inspections, dead cat discoveries, always the right tool for the right job, and hospitality beyond imagination. I'm so thankful that you took us on as your "disabled homeowners" - project!!!!

Lisa-It started with coffee, a business that lasted through one show, sharing a heart for creative ventures, a passion for good deals, talks of kids, stress, music, and dreams. I first met Taylor, just after you moved to the neighborhood - she said, I hope you and my mom can be coffee buddies. And we became so much more! You've challenged me in more ways than you'll ever know.

Deidre-You challenged me to go beyond what I thought I could with my jewelry. You bought me the best book on Precious Metal Clay ever written. This led me on the road to certification. You were definitely the inspiration for me to push and try more. And Josh and Jessica have been such a blessing to my kids with day camps, church camps, trading babysitting and being good friends that they can count on, and that I can trust. Thanks!

CJ-The steady rock. Thanks for sharing your family.

Graham-I've loved our talks about tools, glass kiln plans, creative solutions and thanks for pitching in when you saw a need. You are one of the "GOOD GUYS."

Rebecca-You've opened your home to Heather and let her be the big sister to Katie. You've tolerated her swinging pre-teen moods and you've made her feel important. And you've been there in a pinch to pick up the kids or help out. Thanks!

Paul-Thanks for tolerating a crazy neighor who takes your wife shopping too much.

Pam-Our Yia-Yia!!! You would say I've done so much for you, but you've done so much for me. You welcomed me and the kids into your life, like we were family. We've shared our hearts and found out that we are "Twins from Different Mothers." You will always be our Yia-Yia!!!

Gloria-You traveled with us through the dark days of selling our house. You've been tolerant of all my phone calls and suggestions. Thanks for doing an amazing job for us.

Wow! What an amazing group of people. And how much I've been changed in the 8 1/2 years that we've been in Algonquin. Every person who comes into our lives changes us in one way or another. I've been challenged and changed in so many ways. And as I return to Peoria I'm not the person I was when I left. It's a new chapter in life but as I leave I take small bits from each of you. You've all reshaped and enriched my life.

I love you guys!!!! And I'll miss seeing you as often. But I know that we've had a time to walk along side of one another and share our lives. And I'm so thankful for that.

Keep in touch, but don't feel quilty if you don't. Our lives may move apart in distance but we will always have those small bits of change that we've caused in one another!!!!

On His Amazing journey,
Liz