Cue the sad music. Can you hear it playing? I can, just as well as I can feel the tears running down my cheeks. Our friends, who have been part of our lives for 8 years, have moved away. I guess I am pretty lucky to be my age and not to really have had anyone I love move far away. But it doesn't make my sadness any less real. I can't tell you how my heart aches when I think of Corey, Nicole, Jourdan and C.J. not being around next basketball season. They have added so much to our time at ORU. Mostly, they have added FUN. It took me awhile to get to know Nicole, but let me tell you, I KNOW that girl because she shares. And she shares. Let me just put it this way, she talks about things that no other girl has ever said to me. Oh girl, I wish you were here now, just to crack me up again. Not that's it been all laughs. We have been through some pretty tough stretches together. Basketball losses. Husbands being away for long stretches. And terribly, the loss of her little girl. But through it all, I have to say Nicole's faith has made her a shining star. She has picked me up off the floor before, her soft voice saying, "It's OK Annie... God has a reason for this." And I do know He has a reason for this too, she and her family leaving. I KNOW that I know... and in my sadness, I find comfort in the blessing that has come to the Williams family. They are less than 3 hours from their native Georgia. Corey's new job is a great opportunity to work at a very strong school under a well-respected coach. I am truly happy for them. I know it sounds dramatic, but I don't know if I'll ever stop missing Nicole and her family. I hope she knows how dear she and her family have become to us in the last 8 years!!!!!
