Goodbye's are sad

Why is it that someone has to move or die that we really recognize how much they truly mean to us?
Our friends and neighbors have a bulldog named Molly that my kids adore. Because of some extenuating circumstances they had to give Molly away this week. Before Molly left they invited the kids over to say goodbye. As we left their home, our middle daughter told me (insert adorable little voice) "goodbye's are sad". She is right. It is sad to say goodbye. And we've had a bitter sweet week saying goodbye to many dear people this week.
Although we can stay connected via skype, wechat, Facebook (if I VPN in) and other forms of social media, it's not going to be the same. We are going to miss out on a lot. That's sad. 
When our visit was coming to an end with my grandma and aunt last weekend, I burst into tears. Although I was embarrassed and my kids kept asking what was wrong, I took it as an opportunity to teach them that it's ok to feel these emotions and to express them. And boy have they been expressing a lot of sadness this week. But we've had some tender moments that I'll forever cherish talking about what it means to move and be away from our family and friends.
We have been blessed with amazing family and friends and I wish I had the time and could hold in my emotions in long enough to express to them how important they are and how much I'm going to miss them. 
I almost got out of Boise without  tears until our dear friends, the Colt family came bearing treats and singing one of my favorite humns: "God Be With YouTill We Meet Again".
Saying goodbye this week to so many dear people has  taught me to live in the moment more, meaning  to offer my thanks, love and support more often to those around me.
May God be with each of you until we meet again and "keep love's banner floating o'er you."