June 29, 2015

Saying Goodbye to the Last of the Mohicans

Okay, that title is balarney, since there is a whole passel of the latest generation of Mohicans (okay, Vaughans, but that doesn't sound as good) running around and raising a joyous ruckus these days. Still, as Tori graduated on Friday and left for Wyoming this Sunday afternoon, there was a lot of thoughts involving "the last..." (And Livie used that phrase on Facebook, so it is in my head.)

After 37 years, Mom and Dad have a (somewhat) empty nest.


"Happy Trails! to you! Until we meet again..." 

Justin played that song for her, as she walked out of the house. 

As we drove away, after crying hysterically for a bit, I told Justin that we all deserved a gold star. We have gotten so much better at Goodbye. I remember the first ever goodbye, almost 20 years ago, when Clover went up to Southeast Alaska for a few months. Everyone was crying, except Cody and I, who acted ridiculously and made really stupid jokes and laughed too loudly at each other. Mom got irritated with us and said we should have showed a bit more respect. I felt bad, but even then, I remember knowing that if I didn't act ridiculous, I would be too sad. I didn't think I could bear that much sadness. So I just pretended it wasn't happening. As the  years went on, the goodbyes started coming thick and fast. And they were always horrible. But, as with anything, practice makes perfect. The goodbyes didn't get easier, we just learned how to deal with them. If one of us girls starts crying, it is all over with all of us. So we just don't. At least to the best of our ability.

So now, to make it more bearable, I just took pictures. And pretended it wasn't happening.

Because what am I going to do with without these sisters of mine?



General fussing around


It was a misty, moisty afternoon


Saying goodbye to Lisa and Ashley


Goodbye to Abilene


Her last baby


Her second to last baby
(And we aren't quite over her abandonment yet either.)


Daddy's Tori Alice


He's going to miss this kid of his

And now I will go cry a little. But just a little. Because life goes on and already, there are lots of fun things looming in the days ahead. And this is the day of text, email, and free calling. How did the pioneers do it? 

6 comments:

Cecil and Amy said...

Dang it- I live in Georgia, for Pete's sake, and I feel Tori's leaving and have tears running down MY face too! What's up with that? I remember when I left the first time, we sang 78 in meeting and we were all crying. I think that is why I love your family so much (well ONE reason!)- we just GET each other and feel for each other. So yes, I feel your ache, because in a way, YOUR nest just emptied of one little bird, too. Hugs!

Cecil and Amy said...

Dang it- I live in Georgia, for Pete's sake, and I feel Tori's leaving and have tears running down MY face too! What's up with that? I remember when I left the first time, we sang 78 in meeting and we were all crying. I think that is why I love your family so much (well ONE reason!)- we just GET each other and feel for each other. So yes, I feel your ache, because in a way, YOUR nest just emptied of one little bird, too. Hugs!

Geri Douglas said...

this made me cry! Goodbyes are the hardest!

The McCoys said...

Tears running here too...sweet pictures. Lots of memories and more good times to look forward to ahead. :)

AJWG said...

Waaaaa! I hate goodbyes too and this one is a tear jerker!!! And the pioneers... they just cried. And waited 3 months for a letter. Ooof! That's rough. I remember leaving home myself - I had pretty much cried all summer preparing to leave, but when it was time to go, I was ready. My mom however, had ignored it, and I know it was hard on her. It'll be fun to follow along with her adventures!

Laura said...

Awww, the one with each parent - I'm an utter and complete mess.