The Times, They Are A-Changin'

I knew it was the beginning of the end when Em's parents came in Thursday evening. They were visiting a few days, attending our closing Mass, and taking Em home with them. So Thursday night, a night of sushi and gelato, was really our last night.

But our official ending was last night, at our "Mass of Thanksgiving." Once again, we gathered in the provincial house, with the same priest and sisters who welcomed us back in August. We invited family and friends from our year here and planned music that would make us cry. Our director planned a farewell and blessing to make us cry as well. We dressed up for the occasion as well, even those of us who aren't so much about the dresses.

My boss from school was there, along with the second and third grade teachers, who are talented teachers and amazing women. My housemates had a variety of guests as well, plus a good number of Daughters of Charity. At the end of Mass, we signed our names into the VCS Alumni Book and were given a framed copy of our covenant.

We had dinner with our guests and then came home... and then, this morning, Em and her parents left. And we are suddenly no longer a six-pack.