"It's the Hardest Thing I Have Ever Had to Do"

Our time at BFA came to a grand conclusion last week when David graduated with honors. Needless to say we are very proud of him, as we are with our other two sons.

After graduation, the senior class took a boat cruise up and down the Rhine River. Then, they bounced between several homes where there were refreshments. After that much of the class just hung out in Kandern, the small city in which BFA is located.

As we had a 7:00 flight the next morning, David was one of the first to leave. As we rode in the car together he uttered these words, "This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do." Basically, David, like many other MK's before him, had to say goodbye to friends that he has known for 12 years. It is NOT easy.

I know that there are many more friendships and relationships out there waiting for him to develop, but that does not mitigate the pain of having to say goodbye to current friends. My heart instantly went out to him. Knowing that there was nothing I could say, I kept silent, praying for his pain to ease.

It is always harder on mom and dad when your children go through hardships of any kind. Well, maybe not harder, but equally as hard. David is not moping or feeling sorry for himself. But he recognized the preciousness of that moment. He will never again see many of those frineds ever again. It was hard.

I wonder...do we recognize the preciousness of our relationships? Just a thought.

Trent