Our Jones Family Experience: Saying Goodbye

Without a doubt, one of the hardest parts of being a military family is saying goodbye to friends. In the military your friends become your family. They are the people you turn to when you are lonely, want to do something crazy, need help, or just want to talk.

Some of the most amazing people and friends we have met during our military journey moved this weekend. Not only were Gideon and I friends with them, but Hadley made her first best friend. Their son Brady and Hadley were inseparable and loved playing together.

When I was pregnant with Hadley, I couldn’t stop thinking about having a military child and what that would mean for her. I imagined us moving and her having to leave friends behind. I never really thought about her friends moving and her having to stay behind.

Trying to explain to a 3 year old, even an incredibly smart 3 year old, that her best friend is moving away was not easy. Over the past few days she has mentioned playing with Brady and seeing Miss Caroline and the look on her face when I tell her that we won’t be able to see them again for a long time was heartbreaking.

Even though it is hard saying goodbye to friends, it is our friends that keep us going. James, Caroline, and Brady, we are so glad to have met you, become your friends, and can’t wait to see you again.