Farewell & Adieu

SoCal Marisa with her beautiful pink Cap

So I have officially Graduated from MOPS. What does that mean? Well, it means I have finished this “Academic” year and next year I will not have a preschooler to claim. My big boy will be a first grader and I will be just your normal and average mom. The MOPS organization does have a program called MOMSnext but it’s relatively new and there are only two churches somewhat (and I say that with a slight laugh) close by. Um, yeah, that’s not going to happen.

So yesterday I said goodbye to that season in my life where I was part of an organization of moms. A friend of mine recently asked me what I would miss most. I knew the answer to that question right off. I will miss the breakfasts with friends. Meeting for coffee. The MNO’s and scheduled play dates. I will miss seeing all those happy faces each week. Most importantly I will miss the connections.

As I was receiving my Graduation Certificate and being capped I said a few words. & I did my best at not crying and pushing on through the farewell. I’m sure I rambled on a lot. Some of those women sitting listen with baited breath on what I would say, I may never see again. If we do happen to run across each other in our daily life I’m sure I’ll be that person that makes them pause and think to themselves, Hmmmmm where do I know her from??? Others I may stop and chat with and get that warm fuzzy over MOPS memories and yet others I will see more often as we plan get togethers, and watch our children grow up together.

Other Marisa, Lori, Beth, SoCal Marisa, Mechelle, Michelle, & Tina. The best table a girl could ask for! I love you girls!!!

These 5 years I have been in MOPS have been the best most challenging and spiritually growing years of my life. I have met some amazing women. We have done some incredible things together. I have built some lasting friendships. This season of my life may be ending but I’m not just walking away from it empty handed. This season of my life is going to enrich my next season in life. I have so many things I want to do. I hear God whispering in my head on where he wants to lead me. I only hope I get it right and am able to follow where he leads.

This isn’t the end. It’s not Goodbye. You will see me again. Who knows for sure where though? I don’t want to say goodbye. Rather, farewell. Adieu. Or as my Granpa used to say "See ya round like a donut!" I love you and may God bless you until I see you next.

What did you do when the last of your kids went to school full time? When you were no longer a mother of a preschooler?

See ya round like a donut, SoCal Marisa