Moving on

N is in Lake Tahoe for the weekend for "work" and a little skiing, so L, C and I are keeping busy with some time with friends and just playing at home.

Tonight we'll attend a farewell party for some good friends who will move west and on to another chapter of their lives in Langley, Wash., with no more Navy! We will miss them, especially little N, who has become a sweet pal to L during our time in J-ville. The two girls have very different personalities, but even at age 2 they are now able to appreciate each other's differences as they play together instead of just butting heads over and over. And I will miss E and her perspective on mothering, her zest for life and her passion for a world filled with all things pure and peaceful for our children.

This departure of dear friends has hastened conversations with L about what it means to "move away." It means that we will have to take an airplane to see N instead of just driving across the bridge and down the street for a visit. And in a few months we will also move away from here to a new home. We can take our favorite stuff with us, but we can't take anything that's attached to the house and we can't take people. Last night after bedtime stories and good-night kisses, L emerged from her room a few times to ask if we will take her string of chili-pepper Christmas lights and the pictures that hang on her bedroom walls when we move to our new home this fall. Yes, I said, and she grinned and hustled back to bed. Then a moment later she asked if the cats will come, too. Seemingly reassured by my affirmations, she scurried back to bed again. This is now a new game...a challenge for L to find the silliest things we'll pack up and take with us.

As we say our formal good-byes tonight to N and her mom and dad, we will give them a special book about the pains and joys of life's transitions. It's called "The Quilt Story" by Tony Johnston. I would highly recommend it to all of you Navy moms preparing your tots for the many transitions we all face in this transient life we lead. It's about how no matter where you go there will always be something constant to help you bridge the gap--in this case a quilt.

And to our good friends E, B and N, who we'll say good-bye to tonight, let the warm memories we've shared here be wrapped around you like a cozy quilt as you head west to your big, bright future. We'll be seeing you again soon, I'm sure!