The LaGreca Family

I think my strong *dislike* for “good-byes” started in college (if this wasn’t a family blog, I would probably use a stronger work than dislike, but you get the picture). Even more specifically, it relates to the fact that I was in a long distance relationship with this guy and had to, often, say “good-bye.” Tears were shed..it seemed to take days for the sick feeling in my tummy to subside. It was just awful. BUT THEN, the mother of all good-byes took place at the very end of college, in August 2000.

I was still seeing the same guy – but this time, it was me that was leaving..for a very long time.  Of course, you all know, “that guy” was Joe – and he was the one that kept leaving me (he went to school in Northern CA, while I was missing him in San Diego).  When I moved over to Europe after graduating college — I was the one that left (for almost 6 months!) and I was the one that had to force myself to get on a plane…in a crying heap of a mess.

So, since all of that — I have decided that I just don’t like “good-byes” — I have to turn them into “See ya later’s” – otherwise, I will feel very sad and cry.

Since all of the “good-bye” drama with Joe over the first 5 years of our relationship, I have had to say “see ya later” to many friends and family members over the years.  I guess I can honestly say that it gets easier, sort of.  Because I have the experience – I know that when I say “see ya later” – I really do mean it. I genuinely want to see that person later.  It just seems easier to swallow when you believe it’s not good-bye forever.  (Of course, there are those “good-bye forevers” that we KNOW are really forever…that is a different subject, for another time).

• **Disclaimer** Deb – if you read this, please know that this is NOT to make you cry, but it’s just a girl’s thoughts and feelings. When I am thinking about something, I like to write about it.  So, keep the tears to a minimum. This next part is a tribute..if you will

Our most recent “See ya later” happens to be a family that frequents the content of this blog — many of you have heard me talk about them…and you have seen pictures of their family often.

The Sharp’s are moving to Delaware!

A little history: It all started at a place called HSBC, with the annual MS Walk.  Kevin and I always participated in the SD MS walk.  We got to be friends. He talked about this girl that was living in Germany (yes, Germany, as in a MILLION miles away). Debbie came to visit and we all got to meet her at lunch. I knew the SECOND I met her that they would be married.

(I didn’t know it would be at the Zoo…so, I guess I can’t claim to know everything).

(I do have to mention, just one more time, that I got to try on the BEAUTIFUL diamond engagement ring that Kevin picked out for Debbie, before it was flown to Germany for the proposal. I love that thing.)

I was pregnant with NCL at their wedding (April ‘07), and the newlyweds were in our first group of visitors once the munchkin was born.

(In the picture above – the happy newlyweds are expecting their own baby! Nov ‘07)

Soon enough, Sophie Sharp and Nicholas LaGreca (with Dads in tow), were in swim class together:

(Joe/ NCL are the bottom 2 in the picture, and Kevin/Sophie are the top 2 – all the way at the other end, Sep ‘08)

And, since NCL and Sophie got used to the ‘pool’ water together – they figured it would be totally acceptable to take a bath together (Oct ‘09)

Since we missed the Going Away Pot Luck for The Sharp’s a few weekends ago (we were camping in the desert), we decided to throw together a dinner at our house last week (Nov ‘09).

And, since the Sharp’s wanted to hang out with us just a little bit longer — it made sense to let the kids take one more bath together (because this will be it until they are 30…he he).

(Jean and Samantha were over for dinner that night, too.  Nicholas had two girlfriends over in one night..lucky kid!)

By the end of the night, the kids were TIRED – evidenced by the picture above.  They went “nigh-night” under the blanket in the livingroom.

It was super fun to have the Sharp’s over one last time before they hit the road on life’s next adventure. Kevin takes off in a car, with his brother, on Friday — they are driving cross country to Delaware.  Debbie and Sophie will follow on a plane in the coming weeks.

Sharps: We are so thankful for your friendship and your family.  We are praying for safe travels and a quick settlement into your new home/neighborhood.  Can’t wait to see all the pictures and updates on the blog   We will “See Ya Later!“