I couldn't have done this without you.
There is no way I would be crossing that stage in just a few shorts weeks without your endless
laughter, hugs, smiles, high-fives, long talks, prayers, reality checks,
basketball, football, volleyball, track, wrestling, swim,
small group honesty, van rides blasting music,
getting snowed in on the mountain,
elementary and middle school camp,
movie days, zoo days, park days, sonic days,
college applications and bringing a baby into this world,
a summer full of Popsicle's and the next summer spent over FaceTime,
arguing over poor choices even though you knew what was right,
bad attitudes, sass, tears, and
lots of empty threats about fighting me when I asked you to do your homework,
*thankfully I only remember 2 times that actually sort of happened, and we can laugh about it now*
art projects, hard questions about Jesus, and earning nicknames that won't ever go away.
I remember being nervous you wouldn't accept me.
I knew kids like you before... I was prepared for it to take a long time to earn your trust,
let alone ever finding a place in this family.
4 years later, I'm realizing how silly that fear was.
4 years.
Did you know its been that long?
Some days I believe it, I feel old trying to keep up with you all, like I've been here my whole life.
Other days I feel like I just moved to town, just started this journey, and I have nothing but time left.
I came here for college, but in the process, I ended up gaining a whole family.
A family that has supported me more than I could have ever imagined.
Granny's, Mamma's, Daddy's, Cousins, Brothers, Sisters, Goddaughters.
I have a whole lot of love to give, but the love I've received from y'all the last 4 years has overwhelmed me and I don't deserve it.
This week I pulled a lot of you aside to tell you I was moving,
that I wouldn't be in the same city anymore.
How a 6th grade girls dream is becoming reality, thanks to your help.
How our family bond is stronger than state lines,
and how I can still drive 2.5 hours to put you in check if need be,
or just to visit.
The crazy thing is how you all expect it from us now.
This system, this world, wasn't really built for people to stay in one spot forever.
Mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally.
You can see right through me.
You know what I know, almost before I know it.
Our souls have connected on a deeper level than most,
and you feel the same breaking I feel as I am typing this.
This may seem lofty, or sappy, and
of course some of you little ones won't quite follow this long letter,
but you know your Ms. Chloe well.
You know how when she goes on a rant, there is a point somewhere,
that when she laughs at your jokes, it's always genuine,
and she's still really sorry for cutting her hair so short you couldn't braid it anymore.
For my grown ones.
Man, its been wild!
When I think of my happiest moments in life, the most difficult moments,
y'all are at the front of my mind.
Please don't ever stop being you.
Never waste your time over a boy.
Hitting your Free Throws will always be important.
Love the people, and look like Jesus.
Dang it...
*insert too many tears to type anymore*
I am so proud of each of you.
I love you, forever and always.
- Ms. Chloe, a.k.a. Chlo, Chloe Paige,
Sunshine, Sis, Big Squirrel
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