It's Not 'Goodbye,' It's 'See You Later'

Today was the last time Hannah and I will meet this semester. I got her a little "Christmas Gift" of a mug with a polar bear and filled it with chocolate. Last meeting she showed me her two other Christmas gifts she had every received so I knew that she needed more! 

We ran up to each other and hugged. I handed her the mug and a copy of my family Christmas card that I had written for her. I explained to her friend what Christmas cards are as Hannah opened the card. Tears welled in our eyes as she read the card and looked closely at the picture of my family. She hugged me twice more. 

In attempt to change the subject from leaving I asked about her exams at which she rolled her eyes. She just said they went ok but they were done. Haha. I love it! It's so exactly how I would respond. She told me that she is all packed for her flight tomorrow and she was beyond excited. Her face lit up and I couldn't help but smile. Her parents are just going to fall over when they see her! I can't wait to hear how it goes! She hugged me twice more and said thank you for everything. I turned to her, "Thank YOU for everything!" I responded, and we laughed. 

It's sad to think that we won't see each other until I get back to TCU in August and even then, she might transfer. Our paths might never cross again which breaks my heart, but I told her that even if she transfers, we will meet up again one day. I mean, a few weeks ago she told me that I had to come to her wedding one day so we better!!! I do love a wedding! I told her to continue posting pictures on Facebook and Instagram. She said of course and we hugged yet again. 

Then we parted ways. Not forever, but for now. 

In Preparation

Hannah and I met for coffee. She was beaming. We met, hugged, and discussed how long it had been since we have seen each other. It's amazing how much a few shorts weeks can fly by but feel like a lifetime away. I have missed her! 

Hannah explained that she has finals soon. Oh no! She, like I often did in the past, complained about her writing teacher. Writing is frustrating for me and my native language is English- I can't imagine what it must be like for her! She told me that the writing final is the only final she is concerned about passing. It must be so worrisome. 

She soon tossed her worries about her exams to the side as she told me about her exciting anticipation of her upcoming trip home! This will be the first time she gets to go home to her family in more than a year and a half. A year and a half. What!? I miss my family so much after a few months- I can't even imagine! No wonder she was beaming with excitement. Her voice sped as she explained all of the gifts she has purchased over the past few weeks for her young sisters. She continued chatting about how excited they were to see her and such. I can totally relate to buying gifts for my whole family. It's one of my favorite parts of Christmas- gift giving. We then had to discuss where to find the perfect wallet for her mom. This is literally my struggle every year- getting my mom the perfect gift because that's exactly what she deserves for everything she does for her children! I asked if she was going to get her dad a gift and she said no. When I asked why she said that he doesn't appreciate gifts and that he really just wants to see her and spend time with her. That makes my heart melt. Dads are seriously the best. I cannot wait for him to get to see her in only a few days! 

I think she had a lot on her mind because she then went on to list everything she had to get done before she left including packing and cleaning. She invited me to dinner which was so sweet! 

This meeting really made me realize how much I am going to miss Hannah! She is such a fun person to be around and such a great human being! I'm glad we will get to see her once more before she leaves!!!