I sat there laid back in the recliner at my oldest brothers house holding my one month old nephew Ryder while he slept in the arms. All I could do was look at him and wonder how much he is going to change within the next year and all that I am going to miss. I am going to miss his first birthday, his first steps, and all the moments in between.
My newest nephew, he was one month old that day.
Every day as I get closer to my launch date it gets more and more real. Out of everybody I am leaving behind I am going to miss my nieces and nephews the most (sorry mom). I remember one day a couple months ago I stopped by my oldest brothers house and my niece Helena jumped in my arms and threw her arms around my neck to squeeze me tight and said “I missed you so so so much.” She had seen me a couple days before that and I thought what is it gong to be like when I am gone for a year?
My niece Helena, she is usually the monkey hanging around my neck…
The older kids have started associating Christmas with me leaving and as it draws closer they keep asking me “why do you have to go?” It is hard to explain what I am going to do in “kid terms.” I tell them that other people in the world need somebody to love them like I love them.
Without a doubt I am going to miss them trying to sneak into bed with me or them begging me to take them in the kayak with me to watch the sunrise or sunset. I am going to miss taking them running, and our night hikes. I am going to miss all the millions of questions they ask. I am going to miss them clinging to my legs as I try to leave. I am going to miss their big bear hugs and snuggles. I am going to miss our tickle wars. I am going to miss their laughs and smiles.
I think about all the moments that I am going to miss with my nephews and nieces next year, but then I think about all the kids that I am going to get to share life with. I think about all the kids who just need somebody to love them unconditionally. If you know me, then you know I am a complete sucker for kids. To me they are one of the best things in the world. If you have ever found yourself blessed enough to be around kids you know they live in a world of curiosity and wonder. Kids have this awesome ability to teach you more about life than any adult can.
As hard as it is to let go of my family for a year I know it is a season in my life that I have to temporarily let go of. My nieces and nephews will have Aunt Crystal back after a year, but the kids I cross paths with on the field won’t. All I can do is love them in the moment and love them unconditionally. I know the kids I will have the honor of being around next year will be my favorite hellos, and hardest goodbyes.
The whole crew of nieces and nephews, some added ones in there too:)
Maditude as I call her…my niece Mady.
Tubing with the girls!
somebody isn’t a morning person…lol
MJ and Caden on one of our adventures..
A little fishing in the rain…
I am going to miss them all more than I can imagine, but our adventures will never end:)
