Not Goodbye, Just See Ya Later 🤍

Today’s coffee comes with a little extra grace… and a little heavier heart. ☕🤍

She left this morning.

My niece, who has been part of our everyday lives since the day she was born, packed up and headed out of state to begin a new chapter. I knew this morning was coming. I knew the boxes would eventually be packed, the car would pull away, and we’d have to watch her go.

I just don’t think my heart was quite ready for it.

“Niece” has never really felt like a big enough word for what she is to us. She’s been like another daughter to me and my husband, a sister to my kiddos, and simply part of the rhythm of our family. She’s been there for the big moments, but even more than that, she’s been part of all the ordinary ones—the everyday moments you don’t realize you’ll miss until they’re no longer quite so everyday.

I hate goodbyes.

I’ve never been good at them. Maybe because goodbye feels so final. Like somehow one word is supposed to wrap up years of memories, laughter, hugs, holidays, conversations, and all those little moments that made someone part of your life.

So this morning, I didn’t say goodbye.

I said see ya later. 🤍

Because miles can change a lot of things. They can change how often we see someone, how easily we can stop by, how many ordinary moments we get to share. But miles don’t get to change what someone means to us.

And maybe that’s where the grace comes in today—learning that sometimes love asks us to hold on and let go at the same time.

We hold on to the memories, the connection, and the place someone has in our hearts. But we also loosen our grip enough to let them grow, explore, and step into whatever is waiting for them next.

That’s the hard part, isn’t it?

Sometimes loving someone means cheering them on as they drive away, even while you’re wiping away tears and wishing you could keep them close just a little longer.

Maybe you’re facing a “see ya later” of your own. Maybe someone you love is moving away. Maybe a child is leaving home. Maybe a friendship is changing, or a season of life is ending before you were ready for it to end.

I’m realizing that grace doesn’t always take away the ache.

Sometimes grace is simply reminding us that the ache is there because the love is there too.

This morning was hard. The house already feels a little different, and I know there will be moments when the distance feels much farther than I want it to.

But this isn’t goodbye.

It’s new beginnings and long-distance love. It’s FaceTimes and visits to look forward to. It’s missing someone and being proud of them at the same time. It’s learning that the people who are woven into our hearts don’t stop being part of our lives simply because their address changes.

And no matter how many miles are between us, there will always be a place for her here.

At our table.

In our home.

And in our hearts.

See ya later, sweet girl. We love you more than miles could ever measure. 🤍☕️