So we say goodbye. Bid adieu. Bon Voyage. We pack up her car. Pretend that it's fun because we're holding back the tears. Pretend that it's funny because it isn't and we don't know what else to do. Because saying goodbye is hard and we don't like it.

But then, when the car is packed and there's nothing left to do but wish good travels and give lingering hugs, we sit there and the tears pool in our eyes. Because even though we know it's good and it's even really good, the fact remains that it's hard. She's left and it's hard to readjust our makeshift family without her.

Maybe this season has it's hurdles and flights. Maybe it's filled with lonely spots and really really good spots. Maybe it has all the quirks of college life and maybe sometimes I feel too old and too out of place for it. But the reality is that I love our puzzle piece family. Each one, with their foibles and familiarity, belongs and fits.

And now she's left and it's hard to readjust our makeshift family without her.