Hey, everyone! :)

Firstly.. I don't believe in goodbyes. There's no such thing as a goodbye between friends. :)

However, as I'm reminded by this little countdown program that now hovers at the top of my screen...the days that remain before my adventure here in Korea comes to an end, to be replaced by a new journey to be made, are winding down all too quickly. In 2 weeks or so, they'll come pack up all these memories we've made here in the ROK, and we'll make our way to a new temporary home in the Turumi, and then, only a short while later we'll be flying off into that proverbial Korean sunset, perhaps for the last time.

My life will soon be swept into the insanity that comes with any sort of new beginning, and I couldn't let that happen without taking a few moments to share a few thoughts with you all..with you folks who have, over the course of only one short year, come to mean so much to me.

You guys should know by now that I'm rarely at a "loss for words" (*G* One of these days,though chuck,that 2 word post is coming, I swear it).. but just once more, just for this one final *huge* post or (final huge post for tonight) ..I ask your indulgence, so I can say these things before I get too emotional to find the words.

A little over a year ago, I came to this board a rather bewildered, wide-eyed querent, with one primary question in mind.. "Can I really do this?" Never could I have imagined just how much or how wonderfully that question would change my life! :)

That very first day, I was so very blessed to be welcomed by our most gracious host,and moderator, the ever vigilant Mike,the very wise Mr. Joe, the very encouraging chucksnee, and several other folks who were guiding lights and sources of support and sharing for me, folks who have since, I believe, moved onto other journeys as well... JoeNinpo, JimmyJoe, and so many others that should be named among that number. Along the way, I've had the unique pleasure of being allowed to share the journey of others, too... Short Lil Chick, MsPrice, Greg and Heidi, Tom and Kara, Nearlywild, chief among them. I've also had the opportunity to meet, greet , and welcome such wonderful ladies as Laura, Heather, and sunburst, dnr, and becky.

No matter how we've met, or how far we've journeyed on our road together, my world is a better place for having shared this time, this great adventure with you. You have all enriched my life in so many ways, inspired me, educated me, encouraged me.. and have become, in a very real sense, a second family to me.

I am so very grateful to each of you for the wonderful gift your friendship has been to me, and find myself at a very strange place as I prepare to leave, to venture on in life. I can't deny I'm so excited to return home, to reunite with those I've had to leave behind to come here..but at the same time, there's such a bittersweetness that comes with my leaving. I will miss each of you.. and I will miss this strange and wonderful place that has served to bring,and bind us all together.

This year has been more than just a tour of duty here at Osan. It's been an experience that has changed my life. Through each of you, through all you've shared, through all we've shared together..the world as I knew it has been changed, in a very real way, a very positive way that I'll never forget, and will always hold dear to heart, and treasure. We've laughed together, we've cried together, we've shared frustrations together.. but we've also stood as one together. We've had our ups and downs,and sometimes, we've disagreed,and agreed to disagree... but through it all..we've all agreed on one thing..and that was the faith we held in each other,and the friendships we've shared. We've been given a precious gift folks..one that I'll treasure.

So, although you're not getting rid of me, really- the internet, thank heavens, reaches across vast distances to bring folks together, and you're all stuck with me... and I don't believe in goodbyes, I couldn't let this moment pass without saying a big thank you to each of you, for all that you are, and all that you've meant to me over the past year,and will continue to mean in my life. You are a part of my heart. :) I firmly believe that we're all brought into each other's lives for a reason, and that we carry a little bit of everything we experience with us... and rest assured, I'm carrying a bit of you with me.

To each of you, I wish the joy, the courage, and strength of character that you've brought to me, and an experience that you will treasure as much as I've come to treasure this. While I know it's sometimes hard to "live in the moment", I would encourage each of you to try to do just that. Time really does fly too quickly,and before you realize it, the moment's just a memory. :)

I would also encourage each of you to continue to *share* your experiences... every bit of information we share with one another helps to dispell the shadows of ignorance and rumor that surround tours here in Korea. :) Continue to support one another and stay strong in that support.

That being said.. one last final note:

Once upon a time, I made a somewhat offhanded comment that we NCS spouses were "the few, the brave, the insane". Do I still think that's true? Oh, you betcha! :) And yes, I think it applies a bit to the CS spouses who come here as well! :)

However.. I want to add a few adjectives to that, I think.

Somehow.."Strong, intelligent, clever, persevering, bold,and beautiful" all have a pretty good ring to them. We are a special and unique breed, ladies and gents, and we truly have, in many instances, "gone where few have ever gone before"! :)

So, now that I -haven't- said goodbye.. I'll return everyone to your regular programming. :)

Love you guys!

Dee :)

Dee rocks.

(How's that for two words? Oh, dear, seems I've added a couple more.)

Kara

Thanks Dee! That is a great thread. I'm glad this site could help you out in the beginning. You have been so helpful and more than returned the assistance. It is people like you that truly make the internet a great place to spend a few hours. Good luck on your next assignment and we really hope to see you around as the wise sage.

Mike

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I'm sorry to see you go Dee, before we even got a chance to meet up. I hope that you are headed soemwhere nice for your next assignment. Have a safe journey to your next home.

Dee-

We don't ever get to see each other (unless we bump into each other by chance) but still you always seem to brighten my day:) I sure wish we would've had a weekend that we could've made it to fighter practice Maybe we'll see you at Pennsic or Border Wars sometime in the future

Take care of yourself and keep in touch

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Have a Blessed Day!

Michelle