Saying Goodbye

My precious 8 year-old daughter is going through a rough time right now.

When school started back on January 2, my daughter's best friend Emily was not in class. Her mom had pulled her and her brother back out of school to resume homeschooling. Camryn was devastated.

Camryn's class is a combined group of 3rd and 4th graders. She and Emily were the only 3rd grade girls. Emily's brother, Caleb, was also in the class since he is a 4th grader. Their departure left a big hole in the already small class, but it also made a dent in my daughter's heart.

The 4th grade girls are a little catty and cliquish. I'm sure it's hormonal, but still... Camryn says she doesn't get along well with them. I think it's because Camryn is used to being the boss (being the oldest child at home) and doesn't know how to interact with older girls. Either way, Emily's absence left Camryn without a close female friend.

So, Camryn strengthened her friendship with a 3rd grade boy named Jacob. The friendship quickly became a crush, and Jacob and Camryn soon started their own club with just themselves as members. It was a true budding romance. Any mention of Jacob's name brought a quick "HUSH UP!" from Camryn.

Ah, young love.

Now Jacob is moving. He and his family are heading back to Fort Worth, Texas. That's where they came from; Jacob's dad, Dustin, accepted a position as the Furman University chaplain, and that brought them here to Greenville.

Dustin is now also the reason that Jacob is leaving. He had a bicycle accident in October. He fell off of his bike while riding around the neighborhood with his kids, and he hit his head on a manhole cover. The damage was severe since Dustin wasn't wearing a helmet. He was in a coma for awhile, but now his condition is being called a "vegetative state". Not a "permanent vegetative state", but still... it's not good.

So, Jacob's mom has made the heart wrenching decision to move herself, her husband and their three children back to Texas. I can understand her desire to be near family, but they will be sorely missed.

It's a hard thing. Camryn is as in "love" as her little 8 year-old heart can be. I feel very sad for her. First her best friend left, and now her little crush. She's not having a very good 2007 so far.

Camryn and I got busy and made up a little scrapbook for Jacob. I went to school today and took pictures of her classmates and let them sign the book for Jacob. When the pictures are developed, we'll add those to the book and present the surprise to Jacob at his going away party on Thursday.

Friday is Jacob's official last day at school. I expect there to be tears when Camryn gets home. The Rx for that will be lots of popcorn and snuggling in my bed, but I know it won't take the sting of loss out of Camryn's heart.

What's worse is that I know this won't be the first time my baby's heart will be broken by a boy. I just didn't think this would start so soon.

I'm not ready.