The Miller's Departure

The Father speaks...

The sad occasion of the Miller's departure has crept upon us. It was not thrust on us without warning like a tornado but rather it approached more like a hurricane. The activities beforehand were subtle and the forecast was long range. “They are moving” was the talk. This was way back in the summer of 07. Slowly the forces driving this talk began to get organized. Robert began actively looking for LAND, more appropriately referred to as ACREAGE. It was still a long ways off and offered no real impact on our sedate country existence. As time continued into the early part of ‘08, the storm had gathered more momentum.
Robert had found some property that he considered for his family's future residence. With much discussion with Katie and prayer, he made an offer on it. O.K., the storm has gone from tropical depression to Category 1 hurricane. No big deal, it can still
fizzle out. Time went on and it quickly picked up more momentum. An agreement for the land had been reached and signed. The situation became more serious more quickly. Category 2 was now reached, but it was still not much of a concern to us, for it was nowhere near making landfall. That was soon to change. We received word over
the Grapevine Broadcasting Center that a date has been set. April 1st, 2008. Category 3 was now imminent and category 4 was certain to be attained quickly.
We began to notice the winds picking up. Under the circumstances, emergency measures were being planned and implemented. The storm was heading our way and was gaining strength. We could not stop it or slow it down. We had no choice but to help with all the preparations and plan for damage control and reparations. Thursday night it reached category 4.
Robert arrived just as the storm hit. The storm was just on the outskirts of our little community and just stayed there for a few days. Robert became sick. The last few things were packed over the weekend and on Monday. On Monday night, category 5 was reached and sustained for a very short time. Robert was feeling better and everything was loaded. Pizza was ordered and picked up for 1 last meal with the Miller's. Then it was time.
Everyone gathered their courage and determined to face the full force of the storm with boldness. The girls (my girls) were excited about the event as it was building to this climax, but it was evident they were dreading the aftermath where a big hole was being torn out of their precious hearts. Their tears fell freely, though they tried bravely to hold them back. The Miller boys too were anticipating the ache of that emptiness in their own lives, BUT THEY ARE MEN, and showed no sign of tears. Bethie embraced Katie and in a touching moment, sisters allowed some tears as they said good-bye. I shook hands with the older boys, hugged Andrew, Joseph, Rachel and Samuel. “I will see them again in July” I reassured myself. My eyes stung a little. I shook hands with Robert. My heart was somewhat empty at the thought of missing my time with him. I'll have to take him out for Lunch in July. I then hugged Katie and I must have accidentally rubbed some red pepper from my pizza in my eyes for they began to burn quite a bit.
The remainder of the storm passed quite suddenly. The Miller's were now all in their vehicles and pulling out. I stood there, dumfounded. I watched in despair as my closest companion was driving off. A companion who was always an encouragement in rainy weather. Which was with me as I enjoyed a cup of coffee or 2. There I stood. The Millers gone. I lost all dignity as I remembered. MY HAT was in the Excursion!! It has now been a week, and we are still dealing with the after effects of the storm.
I would like to thank Terri, Julia, Amanda, Jordan, Michael and the Pollocks for all the help they gave the Millers. You made yourselves available when we were unable to. Thanks. To the Miller's I would like to express that I will miss you greatly. The Lord bless you and keep you. Till we meet again, Love you all.

The Father