I don't know if I can do this....

As you all should know by now, we are moving to Columbia, SC next week. I can't believe I wrote those words. When Chad and I moved to Columbus, after being married just over a year in 1997, we began our lives. We were so close to family before and while it was hard a times, we grew up so much being forced to be away from family. We spent lots of time in the first few years looking for jobs in Greenville, SC. We drove up and down 85 1000's of times and had decided it would be a perfect compromise between GA and NC.
Then we fell in love and felt at home. We were here about a year when we started attending St. Mark. At first it was just sit on the pew and go to Sunday school church. Then Gracie was born. She started at the CDC at 6 weeks old with Scotty Gaither, Jim McIllrath baptized her. We celebrated with all our friends as babies were born and watched them grow. I will never forget when Grant was born in 2004 being so overwhelmed with the feeling that our family was going to help raise this boy - not just our "real" family, but our church family. I sat there during his baptism and the congregational response:
"With God's help we will proclaim the good news
and live according to the example of Christ.
We will surround Grant
with a community of love and forgiveness,
that he may grow in his service to others.
We will pray for him,
that he may be true a disciple
who walks in the way that leads to life everlasting."
That day we had a luncheon after the service to celebrate that promise and I remember reminding everyone of their promise to pray for him and to love him. I was thinking that they would pray for him in his terrible twos and his teenage years....little did I know.
I remember sitting in the hospital waiting room with Ashley, Laine, Aimee and Shannon weeping and praying for our boy. Praying for answers that weren't what we feared. I remember Gladys coming and asking what she could do and telling her, "Take Gracie to the church." She replied, "to who?" and without hesitation, we said, "It won't matter, Dale is there and anyone that is there she will know and be comfortable to go with them. Take her there, that is home for her." Gracie spent a horribly fearful day swimming and playing with Ms. Dale and her grandkids who she loves so much. That next Sunday we were scared beyond what we ever thought possible and humbled to our knees by the outpouring of love as our family gathered at the altar in a special time of prayer. I will always remember looking up to see the tear stained faces of all our friends. Through the darkest and scariest days you all were there. Our families were there too and they certainly prayed and supported us - but they are our "real family" of course they would care that much, right? You all love us BY CHOICE (that isn't always easy!).
I have pictures of those kids in the nursery and now they are in the youth group - Gracie went out having fun with friends tonight in a CAR one of them was driving!
We had to give her a curfew! That's a first! And never in a 1000 years would I have allowed it, but she was with Allie, Carly and Emma. That's ok! How much do I love that her babysitters want to hang out with her? What special girls you are! All three of you girls are like family to her, she looks up to you all so much, with good reason. You are beautiful, smart, Godloving, faithful friends. A little 5 hour drive isn't going to change that! Allie Thornton, we love you so much it hurts! As I look through pictures and all the fun the kids have had with you, I ache. And our little hippie love, CKG, OMG - all you Gaithers are gonna kill me! Every one of you are so special to all of us. I thought I might kiss Scotty again tonight. He heard me kissing Grant Baxter as I tucked the 3 boys in bed (Grant, Grant and Scotty). He excused himself for a minute and I found him in Grant's room. I told him goodnight and asked for a hug, he hugged me (taller than me now!) and I wouldn't let go. Probably scared him. Hugged and hugged and cried and cried. Made him promise to stop growing (I'm going to hear about how that isn't possible for awhile now!). Carly, you know your parents are the greatest people on the planet- treasure them! I know I do. Then there's that butthead sister of yours...Don't even get me started about my love for her! I am so glad that Scott, Dale and Zoe are in Columbia, I will stalk their house on holidays looking for some Gaither love!
If I ever need a picture of what God can do in a family, I will think of you Sandy. I remember sitting in the hospital room holding little baby Garrett (with is teeth!)and praying silently over him. Then the same with the triplets. Now, I covet your prayers for my children. I can't even look at your kids, I've shed many a tear with their names on them lately.


Did you see these pictures? Do you see these boys? They are brothers - truly! I can't stand it to see them because I know they are going to grow, but they won't grow together. There is such a special bond between them (WAY beyond the name!). There's something in the paint at St. Mark causing all boys named Grant who spend way too much time there to develop strange diseases - worker's comp anyone?!?! They are a trip and love each other like brothers. Shannon, besides being the awesome Youth Director that you are (tears flowing because I know the TREASURES we are going to miss not having G&G in that group) you have been the best teammate in Children's Ministry a girl could ask for - almost like my "work husband." I could order you around just like Chad and you were so willing and helpful - I could have never survived those 5 years without you! As you walk into the Youth CENTER each day, over the brick that says, "Gracie and Grant, Grow with God in this place" know the impact you are making and know that you are SO SPECIAL! And Aimee, I just can't go there! You are my lifeline. You remind me of truth (FACEBOOK for an 11 year old!) and my sanity in times of chaos, you always draw me back to the center. Thank God for free long distance!
Sitting on the patio, or chasing chickens at the fancy restaurant, keeping up the entire camp/condo complex at the beach, playing at the river, wherever we were with the Webster's it was a party! Emma and Ross will always be smiles in Gracie and Grant's memories - same with Hanna and Clark in Melanie and Chad's!
Kacey Brown is my sanity. Together we could solve the world's problems and create magic (which we will continue to do throughout the miles!). Kevin, I thank you for always reminding me of "well, what about..." making me think deeper and dive deeper to find answers!
Kate, stop apologizing for your sensitivity...you are the sweetest ever. And Elizabeth, I know you love me even though you fake it!
I could go on all night, but I can't. The tears are too much. The boys (Chad, Scotty, Grant and Grant) are asleep. Gracie is spending the night at Emma's. I won't say for the last time, because I am sure there will be times we come to visit. But, not weekly. Not everyday. Oh this is killing me. If you are reading this and don't have a family like this, find them. They are there and they are a treasure.