Life Lately: Saying Goodbye
Hi everyone! I wasn’t planning on taking the week off from blogging (sorry about that)… and I actually wasn’t even going to post today. I’ve had a rough week and I thought I would be okay emotionally but I just needed a little time away.
Well, the day has come and gone. My little brother left for Navy boot camp earlier this week and I just have so many feelings. I can’t even begin to express them all.
When I first found out he was leaving, I was devastated. I couldn’t understand why because it just came out of nowhere and during a time when I had so much going on. I felt like I had been kicked in the stomach. He wasn’t even 19 yet. But when I talked to him about his reasoning, it became clear that this was something he wanted to do and I supported his decision. I was even happy for him and so proud of him for making such a big decision so young. But that doesn’t make it any easier. We’re really close. We always have been.
We’re 14 years apart but he has honestly always been my one of my best friend’s. He has always been there for me and has never judged me. We’ve traveled so many places together and made so many incredible memories. Being the big sister, I was always teaching him new things like how to make pasta from scratch, how to boogie board, how to play guitar. I remember surprising him for his birthday one year with a trip to magic mountain. He had never ridden a roller coaster so we started off with the easiest one and then graduated from there. By the end of the day, we had ridden everything… even the super scary ones! And when I lived at home, I remember sitting outside of my sister’s door with him. I’d play guitar and we’d make up songs about her… singing as loud as we could to wake her up… because of course, she was always sleeping in until noon lol (she didn’t like our songs very much haha). When I moved out, we would always have sleepovers and I would jam pack our days with as many fun things (and sweet treats) as I possibly could.
When he was younger, we’d go on picnics, drive to the beach and visit to the local zoo and museums and as he got older, he joined my husband and I as we traveled to Palm Springs, went camping in Yosemite, toured the Flower Fields in San Diego, hiked in Sequoia and explored Lake Tahoe among many others. We even made our own traditions and each Black Friday, we would wake up at the crack of dawn to go shopping for our family. It wasn’t so much about the great deals as it was about spending time together. And of course, he loved fashion too, especially street style and he and my husband would always bond over their love of shoes. He even accompanied us on a few photoshoots! 🙂
These are the things that I’m going to miss. I’m so grateful for the memories but I imagined having so many more. My heart is so broken. Of course I’m so happy for him and so incredibly proud of him but I’m also feeling quite selfish because I want more time for more memories. I guess in a way, I almost feel like a second mom and I’m just not ready for him to grow up and leave.
And here’s the thing…. the current world circumstances have changed everything including this process. We will not get to see him graduate and we will not get to see him after boot camp. I’m hoping we will see him after A school, which puts us at about eight months from now. In hindsight, eight months in not a long time but it seems like an eternity right now. And then who knows where he is going. I know he’s interested in Japan or Hawaii so we will see. But I guess that gives us an excuse to go visit, right? 🙂
Overall, it’s just a lot to process. I knew this day was coming and I’ve been preparing for a long time but I didn’t expect it to hurt my heart this much. I’m getting older and he’s going to miss out on so many things in my life that I would like him to be there for. And I’m so scared that he’ll come back a completely different person because I really love who he is right now. I’m so sad that he won’t be here to travel with us and make even more memories together. It’s feel so lonely around here… but I guess this is just part of growing up.
Anyway, I don’t even know where I’m going with this post. Thank you for listening and please send my brother all of your prayers as he embarks on his new journey <3
If you’re looking for a pick-me-up after my post, make sure to watch my new video lol!
****************
I loved reading about the special bond you have with your brother. Will be sending prayers for his safety as he embarks on his journey!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks so much Jill! I appreciate it <3
My brother went into the Air Force when he was just a little older than your brother. While we didn’t see him as often over the years when he was stationed all around the world (he spent 2 to 4 years in different countries), he has now retired after 24 years in and lives in the US. So we catch up with him living less than 2 hours ahead. I would say to definitely try to visit where he is.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Oh wow! That’s incredible. He’s going to get so many opportunities and I’m absolutely going to try to visit him wherever he goes. I appreciate you sharing your story <3
Oh Lizzie on one hand this is so beautiful how you have such a wonderful relationship with your brother – and on the other, how sad for you that he must leave. Life is filled with these misnomers..you’re in my thoughts xx
Thanks so much Lucy! That’s exactly how I feel – such a mix of emotions. I appreciate it <3
I wish your brother all the best on his new endeavor and I hope the months pass quickly for you until you see him again! It sounds like you two have an unbreakable bond that is so special!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks so much Kellyann! I hope so too <3
Praying for protection for you brother as he starts his journey in the Navy. Take care of yourself Liz as you spend this time apart. Thanks for the link up.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks so much Kathrine! That means a lot <3
Lizzie, my friend, what a beautiful post. I am so proud of you for taking this change in stride and recognizing the whole process as some growing pains in life. Your brother is going to have some amazing experiences and some not so amazing ones, too, and he is going to share all the fascinating stories with you of places he’s been and things he’s seen. While the distance will be hard now, both of your lives will be more enriched. And like you said, it gives you an excuse to travel to visit him! That is one huge benefit of military life…all the places you get to see and the friends you make who end up all over the country. Military friendships are some of the strongest bonds I have ever witnessed. Sending lots of prayers for your brother’s safety and lots of prayers to heal your sadness!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks so much Shelbee! I feel like you definitely understand. Absolutely. Your insight means so much to me. I’m in tears reading it because it’s so true. This will be a good thing for him and we’re going to make even more memories together as he travels. I’m so happy to hear that! He’s really good at making friends so I have no doubt that he’s already made some good ones 🙂 I appreciate it!
I’m sending you so much love Lizzie!!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
Thanks so much Jennifer!
This is so sweet Lizzie! What a special bond you two share. Will be thinking of your family and him as he begins this new chapter!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Thanks so much Annaliese! <3
You have so many wonderful memories with your younger brother! Change is always so hard, I know my family was devastated when I told them I was going to move across the pond when I was 21 many years ago. It’s hard to get used to a new normal but something we all have to get through as we move to new chapters in our lives.
Sending hugs and prayers!
Ellibelle’s Corner
Thanks so much Ellibelle! I’m so grateful for that. That’s so true! Thank you for sharing from your perspective 🙂 It helps!
This is such a bittersweet post and so beautiful! I love hearing that you and your brother have such a wonderful relationship even with the age gap. I can’t imagine how hard it has been for you. Best of luck with your brother. He’s so brave to do this!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thanks so much Rach! I really appreciate it. We’ve always been super close and I’m so grateful for that.
Sending you a hug, lady! I know you will miss your brother, but it’s a courageous and admirable thing he’s doing <3
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
Thanks so much Cheryl! I appreciate it <3
When a good friend of mine joined the Navy, I went out to a crystal shop and bought him all of the ones for strength, protection and so on. I can’t say for sure, but I like to think it helped.
I think your brother is so brave for this, and I wish him the best on his new, exciting adventure. It will be tough (for him and the family), but so rewarding.
Sending hugs, and keeping the family in my thoughts!
Alexandra
EyeLoveKnots.com
Thanks so much Alexandra! I was actually just thinking about doing that. What a great idea! He is. I’m so proud of him. I appreciate it <3
Hi Lizze, I am so sorry you are feeling bad about your brother leaving, it must be so hard! I understand beign parted from loved ones. My 90 yr old mother is in Canada, and because of the staunch border restrictions it is a LOT of red tape to see her, but I am hoping to in Apri. I hope time will heal your heart..its very admirable of him to serve his country. I hope you get to see him again soon!
Valerie
That’s such a tough thing to go through as a family. Hope you’re all doing well and adjusting. Hopefully 8 months goes by quickly!
Thanks so much Lee!
Saying goodbye for such a long time is HARD! I feel your sadness! I hope the 8 months flies by!
Thanks so much Laura! Me too
Aw, thinking of you Lizzie. Think of him achieving his goals 🙂 It was very sweet reading about your close relationship with your brother. and I bet it will go fast!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks so much Jess! I know 🙂 I just miss him
I have tears in my eyes as I read this. The relationship that you and your brother have sounds incredibly special and something to be cherished! It’s a blessing in disguise to be this broken-hearted about his choice to “leave” and pursue this career. But I can tell you’re so supportive of him as well and that’s beautiful. You will have many special memories with him in the future and I know things are though now, but just imagine how proud you’ll be (even more so than right now) when he reaches his goals!!!
Aw Thanks so much Stephanie! I was bawling my eyes out writing it … and now replying to comments lol! Absolutely. I already so proud of him and very excited to see where this takes him in the future. <3
Aww sorry you’ve had a hard week! Hopefully you will be able to rest and recharge this weekend! Also it’s always so hard to say goodbye to those we love. You and your brother have so many amazing memories. Wishing him luck during his new journey!
Xo, Steph
Thanks so much Stephani! I appreciate that so much <3
Sending virtual hugs to you, Lizzie! I hope you get to see your brother in eight months and that the time flies by for you!
Amber
Visit AvecAmber.com
Follow Avec Amber on Bloglovin
Thanks so much Amber! I hope so too <3
Aw! I’m sure saying goodbye was extremely difficult.
It was. It’s still hard <3
Goodbyes can be so tough and looks like he will be missed. Wishing him all the best while away and that the time goes quickly for both! xoxo, Sarah
Thanks so much Sarah! I appreciate it <3
Your posts are always so endearing. It is hard to say goodbye to a loved one always! Embarking on a new journey is definitely going to be something exciting for him and he gets to tell you all about it. Being supportive is definitely the way to go, even if it’s hard! Your relationship is solid and the time will fly by before you know it!
Thanks so much Candace! Absolutely. I’m very excited to see where this takes him. I hope so 🙂
This is such a sweet and heartfelt post. Goodbyes are definitely never easy! Wishing your brother all the best in his new journey and positive vibes for you, Lizzie <3
Thanks so much Amanda! I appreciate that <3
Just think of all the wonderful times you’ve had together recently and you’ll be back together again in no time.
Hugs,
Suzy xx
That’s so true. I will definitely cherish those memories 🙂
Oh I do feel for you, but when you see him again you will have quality time together. Sending you a big hug Lizzie. Jacqui x
Thanks so much Jacqui! I can’t wait <3