And that is why today, I hate this life. On one hand I know that logically, without this lifestyle, we would never have had the pleasure of meeting The K Family in the first place. But logic does not help me right now. I know that, thanks to social media, it will be easier than ever to keep in touch with them. But seeing pictures and reading updates won’t make it easier to not see each other’s kids grow up. Sharing a phone call just won’t compare to spending another Thanksgiving dinner with them, or a night of karaoke at that dive right outside the front gate of post.
Saying goodbye to friends is nothing new for us, but for some reason this one hits harder for our entire family. Part of it is that we are now stationed on an Army post. As a Marine Corps family, we are used to being stationed with other Marine Corps families that we have been with before… it is a small world. But there is no chance we will ever be stationed with The K Family. We are taking completely separate paths in our military lives. And then part of it is simple. The K Family are just quality people.
The youngest, Matthew, is 6 and is full of more energy than I have seen in one human being. He is full of life, funny and smart. And if it were not for his joyful curiosity, we would never have met. It was Christmastime, and we were all standing in line at a holiday event on post. I was pregnant and having a medical issue that caused me to be in a wheelchair that particular day. He walked right up to me, and in the most innocent way asked, “Hey! Why do you have to be in a wheelchair?” His mother was mortified and her apology to me started a conversation… a friendship was born.
Their teenage daughter, Danielle, is just simply a great kid. She is smart, athletic, funny, sweet, and kind. Add to that list the fact that she is a responsible babysitter who I trust 100%. Did I mention that she adores our baby? And our 10 month old, who is THE most skeptical human being I have ever met, lights up whenever she walks into the room. Our 11 year old happens to think she is the coolest thing since the iPad, and looks up to her. It’s hard to find good role models for young girls these days… Danielle is an excellent role model for both my girls.
The dad, Chris is a really neat person. He is fun to be around, will engage in a spirited debate with the best of them, genuinely seems to care about other people and although quirky, really has a delightful personality. On a personal level, it is so nice to have a girlfriend who has a husband I like and don’t have to just “put up with” for the sake of our friendship. You ALL know the ones I am talking about.
