Growing up my seven siblings and I were closer than any other brothers and sisters I knew. People all the time would say, "I wish I had what you guys have". Most of that we attribute to our parents teaching us that we could be each others best friends, that and the fact that since we were home schooled we were with each other 24/7.
Moving on a few years, five of the seven are adults with spouses who have joined "the seven" and become one of us, and the years haven't pushed us apart like so often happens when you grow up and move on. Instead, we were integrated into one another's lives, a little too much at times for particular members of "the seven...now eleven", four of us living in a two mile triangle, watching babies be born, experiencing adulthood and the challenges that come with that season of life.
We had big family dinners at Dad and Mom's, attended countless soccer and baseball games of the youngest "two of the now eleven", helped each other move and paint, shared spring yard clean up, supported each other's interests, stood up in four weddings, laughed a lot, cried heart breaking tears over the loss of three babies, laughed some more, had "Girl's Nights", football Sunday's at Mom and Dad's (until we all got better TV's than they had), fantasy drafts, coffee mornings and "BKR Day (Bennett Kid Reunion...the only day we could see Ike because of his work schedule so we'd all meet at Mom's on Tuesdays for lunch together).
I could go on and on, but what I'm really trying to say is that for many years life with the Bennett Kids was as it should be, all of us, except one who left a long time ago to pursue his dreams, living close by and being in each other's daily lives.
All of that changed this week. One of "the seven" felt a tug in his heart to go pursue a dream. Instead of staying safe, living in what was comfortable and known, he took a risk, he stepped out in faith. We packed up the moving truck and he and his sweet wife pulled out of town. The tears have been many, the heart pains very real. Life as "the Bennett Kids" as we've known it is past. The chapter in this part of our lives closed. Are we sad? Yes, it's always hard to close a door especially one that has been open for so long. Are we thankful? Completely thankful for the time we have had together, living so close and seeing each other sometimes daily. Are we proud? Beyond proud to see another one of "ours" pursing a calling and dream for his life. Will we still be as close? No doubt about it.
A long time ago there was a song that held a place in our lives.
We will make this promise
On the memories we've made
A friendship born in heaven
Will last though all our days
A part of me goes with you
Even if you journey far
You'll never be forgotten
No matter where you are
Across the miles, please remember
When I can't be there
I will send my heart to you
Upon the wings of prayer
Across the miles, may God keep you
Through the tears and smiles
For His love will reach across the miles
The "Seven..now Eleven" are about to become even more spread out as others leave for college. I know though, that through the memories we've made, the bond we have will never be broken. Miles can't take away a lifelong friendship and love that seven siblings have for each other. It's one of kind, not often found, and something to be cherished and protected. Nathanael, Brooke, Heidi, Kipp, Matthew, Jenna, Isaac, Holly and Stevan, I love you all. I'm proud of you and I'm so thankful for all the memories we made. Those memories keep me smiling until the next time we are together making more memories and laughing and celebrating life together.
