Dear Readers,
Today is a bittersweet day, in that it was my good friend Kelly B’s last day as an employee at our workplace. Some exciting things are happening in her family, which means she will be gone for a short time, then return to us [our work] as a volunteer. So, while I know she’ll be back and we’ll always be pals, today marks a significant change. Things will never be quite the same, as far as our work goes. I’m so very, very happy for her and her family. Yet I cried a little this morning, before heading in, knowing that saying goodbye to a significant season of life will not be easy. Therefore, I will choose not to say goodbye, but “Can’t wait until you return.”
Dear Kelly aka Kellybrums aka Harley [my friends and I have pretend names – that’s normal, right?],
I thought about giving you some trail mix for your trip. Or a card, but I have such a hard time picking out cards and they’re never quite suitable for the specific person. I could have given you a pair of shoes, but I prefer it when you give me shoes.
So, in lieu of all the things I could have done, I am writing you here. I hope it’s alright with you. I also want you to know it’s been a dream of mine since I was about 16 to be in an all female rock band, and if that dream ever comes true, I want you to be the drummer. Because girl drummers are the coolest and you’re really cool and you obviously have good rhythm [I can just tell] so please be thinking of a name for us to call ourselves. And please also note I would not just ask anybody to be a part of something that epic.
I added in a couple photos just because. Because you are probably really, seriously crying by this point and Jared will make you smile. You don’t have to thank me, either. 
Here are a few things to remind you you’re a fabulous person, and have made an impact on so many people’s lives. [Did you like how I threw in the word impact, since Urban Impact is our name and all that?]
You are creative and artistic. 
You are so good at executing a plan.
Keeneland! That was a fun time. Thanks for educating me on how to gamble.
And all the parties and events. Good times, fruitcake and all. Please ask Kevin if he’ll kindly come back each time we serve pizza because he and I work so well together [ONLY 2 SLICES PER PERSON!].
We have a friend in the NFL! Not sure we’ll ever forget that lunch at Cheddar’s…..
…..and I’m certain we’ll never forget Coco Key. Home sweet home to Bengals fans [as in literal home].
..
Atlanta. I regret not dumpster diving for those plastic cups. It just doesn’t make sense they wouldn’t give them to us. Fun times though. And so many gluten free options…..who knew?
Who is going to handle cotton candy from here out? You are going to have to come back for that. No one else could do it like you do….
Coldest November 1st ever. Say “hi” to Maggie!
Love him. Love Ms Donna. Also love his tie.
One of the best days of 2015. I’m especially glad no one fell out my bedroom window.
Bookclub. Ice cream is always a plus.
What a great family. Can’t believe it’s finally happening. You’re going! Hooray!
According to Facebook, in 2014 and 2015 I had more photos with you in them than anyone else. So I suppose we’re pretty close. Either that or we’re just really high on ourselves and are constantly taking pictures together. I don’t think that’s the case though. But if so, it will come in handy once we form our band.
I will miss you and your Mt. Dews and diet Cokes and smile. You have made a whole lot of kids’ lives brighter and will continue to do so, I’m sure. I’m glad you’re headed where you’re supposed to be.
So I’ll wrap this up by saying I love you and your family. You’re pretty great. I’m glad we ended up together.
Can’t wait until the day you return….until then, peace out [which I never really say but it seems appropriate at this juncture].
~ Veronica [my pretend name in case all the people out there in cyberspace didn’t know]
Upon a Sunny Day 