Homesick

For months, we had been helping Joey (JoJo) box up her things. I started to prepare myself for the fact that we would no longer see her daily. We helped her pack up all her plants into her car, like a greenhouse on wheels because the following day she would be a Georgia resident. This summer she said her goodbyes to the babies and it was very difficult for her, myself and the three of them. The kids won't see her again until probably October ( fingers crossed) or when we can take them to see her, but Zach and I would see her in just a couple days in St Thomas. Zach and I had never left the kids for that long. He had been away for work but one of us was always with them. We are so blessed to have family that is so willing to help with our babies. Zachs parents were able and willing to keep the kids for the week and even took them in their own adventure to Zoombizi Bay (which they loved)!!

St Thomas was a lot of things. It was me admitting that I was having a hard time and that a mental break was much needed. It was relaxing, beautiful, and carefree. We are so grateful that Joey invited us on the trip. The views were breathtaking. It was a reminder for me that it's ok to need a break for myself sometimes and some time with my husband. It was refreshing, but also bittersweet. I knew when we came home, Joey would be going to her new home in Georgia, instead of home with us. (I blubbered at the airport as she ran to her flight that she almost missed.🤷‍♀️)

Joey has been a friend to us, a caretaker for our babies, supportive, kind. She was Zach's right hand in our many home improvement projects. She has encouraged me, prayed with me and for me, and seen my good and bad days. She helped us to find our way when we were new to the neighborhood. She has become a very important person in our life. She and I have picked each other up( and held me down when it was necessary, too😆) more times than I can count. We have seen each other through loss and joy and most everything in-between.

Here we are, about 2 months since her move...We are missing Joey as our neighbor, but we also want her to find a new taste for home as she continues her new chapter. I can honestly say this is the first time I have experienced homesickness without leaving home. While I know Joey has excitement for the next chapter, I know she is Homesick too. One of my favorite quotes is "Home is wherever you are." This is true for my husband and kids and it has held true in reference to Joey as well over the past several years. She is no longer a neighbor who visits frequently, she is part of our family dynamic! She knows my parenting style inside and out. She knows our every strength and weakness as a family and her presence always helped whatever the situation. She belongs in our house, she isn't a guest anymore, she isn't a neighbor anymore. She has played a huge role in our definition of home and all it represents. We miss her dearly since her move and look forward to visiting her soon. We are so grateful for her, her friendship and she has become a part of our family.

It is my prayer and hope that she transitions smoothly and finds peace, comfort and a sense of "home" at her new residence and job. We hope that she finds her new normal and grows confident in her place and purpose there. If there is anyone who deserves a new start, it's her kind soul. And if she needs a reminder of her purpose, I know atleast 5 people in Ohio that can quickly remind her. JoJo left Ohio, but these Miller hearts won't be forgetting her anytime soon.✌️ As long as we are in Ohio, there she will also be.

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