A sad farewell

If you've been reading this blog for any time at all, you've probably heard me talk about Aiden's girlfriend, Stella Fox. Well, it is with great sadness that I report that as of today, the Fox family has moved to Kentucky.

As you can imagine, Aiden is pretty saddened by this turn of events. When we learned that this was a possibility a few weeks ago, we began preparing Aiden for the move. I sat down with him on the couch and explained that Stella's daddy might get a new job that she might be moving to Kentucky. He looked at me with these big, sad blue eyes and asked in a tiny voice, "So I won't see Stella anymore?" I felt this giant lump form in my throat, tears sprung to my eyes, and I managed to choke out, "Well, we won't get to see her as often. But we'll visit her and talk on the phone..." as I slipped into the other room to cry, passing on the rest of the questions to Brad.

This move has been hard on all of us--Brad and I have come to regard the Foxes as family. Their family and the Lashers and our family, all part of a small group at our church, have practically become inseparable. We have all become so close over the past year and a half, and it is hard to imagine not having the Foxes around to share in our day-to-day lives. We've been through pregnancies and new babies, the trials of having pre-schoolers, and seen each other through some difficult times. We've laughed together, cried together, and supported each other through good times and bad. It is rare that you find a friendship like ours: so often, the wives will be friends, but the husbands don't get along or vice versa. But in this case, we all get along, have fun together, and love one another.

There have been many tears the past few weeks, but it is with great pride and joy that we send their family off to Kentucky. Jason has taken a new position at a growing church in Kentucky that he is passionate about, and we have watched with amazement at how God has worked to provide this opportunity for their family and pave the way for them to take it. It is an AMAZING story of faith and of God's provision that Emily details on her blog--check it out (see the link to the right).

We will miss the Fox family dearly, but there is one thing I know to be true: no matter how many miles may separate us, true friends will always remain connected. One phone call or visit, and we'll be laughing over our children's antics and our friendship will pick up just where we left off.

Best of luck to you, Foxes, and remember that there is always a guest bedroom waiting for you at the Parker house. May you find happiness and prosperity and a wonderful group of new friends in Kentucky--but just remember that your old friends in Texas will be here for you whenever you need us...and counting the days 'til we can see you next! We love you!