good-bye.

our minister retired today. i have known about this for months. that it was going to happen. but i really didn't know how i would feel. on that day. when he preached his last sermon. at our church. because well. you know. good bye's are never easy and neither it change.

you see. he's been our minister for 25 years. he performed my grandmother's funeral. he married us. he baptized our littles. he's been a part of our lives for 25 years. he's been a part of every major event we've had happen in the last 12 years. and well. 25 years? that's a long time in my book.

the service was beautiful. so touching and poignant. it was just right. sadness but happiness, too. and of course i cried. there wasn't a dry eye in the sanctuary. but it was a beautiful ending and a beautiful beginning. and i'm sharing some photos that are courtesy of my friend creative peep. so sweet of little one.

but little one. adores him. loves going to church. used to think (and might still) that he was god. seriously. i asked her once. what god looked like. and she look at me increduously and said jay of course. like i should know better. she will be sad that he will not be there next week.

but she wanted to give him something. so she spent a good bit of time on saturday and she colored him a picture and wrote him a note. she held that note carefully and patiently waiting throughout the entire service (and mind you. it was long). waiting. to hand him the note. no fidgeting. no asking for donuts. no noise. just patiently waiting. for two and half hours. it was a miracle. i tell you. a miracle.

there were baskets out where you could leave cards for him. but no. she was determined to hand it to him herself. it was so very sweet. to see this love through a six year old's eyes. (i'm getting a bit teary-eyed just thinking about it.). and she was proud when she presented it to him with a great big little one hug.