On Life and Change and Saying Goodbye

     Several blogs have I devoted to neighbors, for when it comes to farming...heck, when it comes to life, it takes a village...
     I have been blessed beyond measure out here in the country with some of the finest folks to walk the planet, not the least of which has been my next door neighbor, Trish.
     It could've easily not been so, after all, my first contractor (read: EX contractor) tapped her water line and took electricity from her pole without asking. Later I had an electrician accidentally cut her cable line costing her phone and cable service for a day.  Fortunately she was forgiving...and once we got past the technical challenges, we both came to realize that friendship was a God-given gift and having someone support you through some of life's toughest challenges is worth more than gold.
     We've shared a lot as neighbors...I dare say most every emotion...
     We've cried for dogs we've loved and people we've lost. We've gritted teeth and vented anger when losing goat babies (and nearly 2 mamas) because some idiot allowed a standard goat to breed pygmy girls, bringing so much pain and grief we could hardly take it. We've encouraged each other through our own dark nights of the soul, and come out laughing at memories of better days (like when the surveying team showed up unannounced only to be met with not one, but two pistol packing' mamas coming from two separate driveways).
      She's helped feed babies, birth babies and yes, bury babies (from pups to goats). She's had advice on everything from gardening to unstopping toilets. In short, she's been a fountain of help, the epitome of a neighbor...but best of all, she's been a true friend.
     Sadly, this is her last day here on the bend. And to say I'm going to miss her would be an understatement.
     Life doesn't always turn out like you plan it, and as sad as it is to see marriages end and people you love move away, I cling to a silver lining knowing that what lies ahead is the peaceful and prosperous and good life she deserves.
     May your next new chapter bring you all the joy in the world, Trish.
     And may your new neighbors (whoever they wind up being) appreciate the gift they too, will get to experience in knowing you~
     Godspeed and God bless you my friend...
     Promise you'll visit.
     Promise you'll call.
     You are loved.