Despedida

In Spanish, the word "Despedida" is used to describe a "going away party". The word actually means "goodbye", "farewell", "sending off"...

On Saturday night, we had one here on campus and it was attended by all of our students, as well as most of the faculty and staff from Baxter and the JMA Clinic. Bob Young, chairman of the board of directors of Association Amicus was there also and presented us individually with beautiful plaques. We each said a few words of thanks, which surprised me that I could actually do that.

Most of the students stood and gave us words of thanks, encouragement, etc. That was extremely emotional for us. Afterwards, there were lots of hugs and kisses and tears. One student said he would miss Steve's jokes and my cakes! :)

I was going to post a couple of pictures but the only ones we actually took were of us each receiving our plaques. Those were just too pitiful so I'm not going to post them.

"No Borders" performed and, of course, that was so wonderful, yet emotional.

When I get sad about leaving these people here who I love so dearly, I remember 5 little faces...Madeline, Noah, Jack, Luke and Georgia Grace. Those faces, along with God's help, will get me through this tough time.