Good Bye Amy!

 Yesterday morning, while we were all still  in PJ's, we had a good-bye party for Amy to start our day.  The boys had each made cards of course - Michael and Jacob threatening her with attacks from Halloween Monsters if she actually left. 

 

 Scotty's card said, "The first time you met me, you loved me.  And I love you".  We gave her a set of Marry Poppins books - an old series.  Of course the story is about a nanny that comes to a family when they needed help.  When she leaves, it turns out they don't need her any more even though they are so sad to see her go.  The boys decorated the inside covers of the books with colored handprints.

 

Amy came to our family when Scotty was very sick and Peter flat on his back a couple weeks after his big back surgery.  She has helped us through these surgeries, sick babies, and my horrible pregnancy with Colin.  At times, she has been the primary care taker for all our boys.  What a blessing in our lives.  While we wish her well because we want only the best for her, we are so very sad to see her go.   She has become a family member. 

 The boys planned a whole day with Amy for their last day together.  They have been excited for this day, calling it, "The Best Day Ever".  When I was so sick for the year, Amy often took them on adventures.  These are some of their best memories with her.  Yesterday they did 3 fun things: 1) the dinosaur museum, 2) Airborne trampolines, 3) went to a movie.  Then we all went out to dinner at Trio.  Amy came back to put them all to bed one last time and to tell the boys one of her famous bed-time stories.  It was a perfect day.  This morning on the way to school Michael said, "Yesterday went way too fast." 

 Michael held it together all day, trying to just enjoy the fun.  He came up stairs to say goodbye as she left.  When I closed the door he burst into tears.  We went downstairs and cuddled on the couch.  Scotty came out of bed too, to join the snuggle.  "She can still be my best friend forever even though she lives far away.  Right Mom?" Scotty asked.  Yes.  She can, and will.  I told Michael he could use my phone to call her whenever he needs to.   We will miss our dear friend and already looking forward to holiday visits.