And so it goes...

For some reason or another I am reminded of the Billy Joel song, "And So It Goes."  I am not sure why but the lyrics which go something or other like this...

"And every time I've held a rose

It seems I only felt the thorns

And so it goes, and so it goes

And so will you soon I suppose."

Perhaps the melancholy nature of the song it what has stuck with me through the years.  But for what ever reason, I've had this song in my head the last 24 hours.  I wasn't planning on feeling any sense of loss when leaving El Paso.  Indeed, this will be my last post from here.  They are packing today.  Yesterday, I was stunned and astonished at the reaction of the people I saw for the last time.  Tears were shed, hugs were given and I was left with the astonishing revelation that we have truly touched those around us.  I was left speechless, with no sarcastic comments to lighten the mood, every-time someone told me how much we were going to be missed. The teachers cried and told me what great kids we had.  The principal of the school told me that the school was suffering a great loss because our children no longer blessed the halls.  She said that we had been the topic of conversation in the teachers lounge for weeks.  We were told by teachers, who have yet to teach our children, that they wish they had gotten a chance to teach them.  The children were all given parties, many pictures were taken and notes passed.  Emma even came home with bags full of presents from friends she has grown to love.  So, it came as a huge surprise to me when I found tears in my eyes.  Despite my lack of love for the town, it seems I have come to love the people around me. We have made a greater impact here than we would have ever imagined.  We will be leaving on Sunday morning...

And so it goes, and so it goes.

And so will we soon I suppose.."