The 10 Things We Won't Forget

So, this week is a big week for us. We are moving and, drum roll please......Alan is graduating from Washington and Lee Law School! I can hardly believe it's already over, I never knew three years could pass so quickly. During that time we've had so much to be grateful for including the birth of our two children. But I couldn't mention Alan graduating without mentioning how proud I am of him for this great accomplishment. Completing law school was such a tremendous task for him and I am so happy he was able to get through it and even enjoy some of it.

That being said I thought this would be a great time to mention the top ten things we will miss after we have left Lexington. I know many times I have grumbled about how small and trapped I've felt at times, but truly this has been a fabulous experience and one I won't soon forget. So without further ado, The Top Ten of Lexington:

#1. All of the fabulous and wonderful friends we have made here. I can honestly say that there are so many of you I want to keep in touch with through the coming years. We've all gone through so much together and I will treasure our memories forever. (PS...If I didn't link to you, it's because you need to get a blog! Haha. Not because you aren't a friend.)

#2. My time at Southern Virginia University. While Alan had the privilege of going to W&L, I had some of the best experiences playing in the flute choir at SVU. I met Launa Whitehead, the flute professor there who taught me to love playing my flute again and became a dear friend. I will miss my weekly escape with music, but hope to find it again elsewhere thanks to the inspiration I found here.



#3. The law professors at W&L. One of the reasons we chose to come to W&L were the law professors. At a visit to the school the year prior to coming we met many of Alan's now favorite teachers. Alan knew he wanted something more than just a rote lecture on a daily basis, he wanted professors who cared not only for their subjects, but the students as well. One of our favorites has been Professor Murchison, who was the acting Dean when we came to the school. He was amazing and not only was concerned for Alan, but asked about my well being on a regular basis. You just don't get that at a school where each class has over 100 to 200 people in it.



#4. The Law Families organization. I know I mentioned friends before, but some of these friends I would have never made if it wasn't for this wonderful organization at W&L. We were all in the same situation and the Law Families group made it possible for us to find enjoyment in our times of struggle and people to commiserate with when we needed a shoulder to lean on.

#5. The beauty that is Virginia...just take a look. How could you pass this up?



#6. Jace's playgroup buddies. I can't type this without getting teared up. Alan and I have had our share of worries about Jace and his socialization skills. Well, the playgroup has done wonders for Jace and now he looks forward to seeing his friends whenever he can. He'll run up to them and call them by name some times. It's wonderful and I know he will miss them.



#7. Lexington, the city. Yes, I know I've said it's too small or there isn't much to do here at times, but there's something about the quaintness that is Lexington. To be able to walk down the street and have people say hello or the occasional VMI cadet bow his head while saying "hello ladies". You just don't get that in a big city and I will miss it.

#8. Being so close to DC. It's been so great to take the occasional trip to our nations capitol. This was another reason we came to Virginia, we wanted something different from what we've had. We wanted to be able to experience the East Coast. I can say there are still a few things we'd like to visit, but now we have friends to come visit here as well. So, we'll be back for sure.





#9. My doctors in Staunton. I've already mentioned what a blessing the doctor was who delivered both Jace and Eden, but I'll say it again. I think he saved my life and in addition to that added a little humor to the situation.

#10. Last but not least...the experiences we've had that have drawn Alan and I closer together. It's been great for us to be away from family, I'm not saying we've enjoyed being miles from family who love and care about us, but it was great for our marraige. We are stronger together and have some great experiences that will stregthen us for this rest of our lives. Thanks Alan for getting through this with me.

Now I think I'll go off in a room by myself and cry a little for all the fun times we've had and will never forget.