Worse Than Expected

So, there I was at 39,000 feet peering out the plane window at the popcorn clouds below thinking that the celebratory drink we were having as we embarked on our Excellent Adventure wasn't feeling so celebratory. Not because it was 7am, I was absolutely heartbroken. I knew leaving Charlie was going to be difficult, but I wasn't quite prepared. When we left Charlie this morning at Loren and Teague's we tried to play it off as normal as possible. We gave her big hugs, gave her a treat, and hurriedly escaped out the front door so she wouldn't follow us. I think that calling the cab, dropping off Jason's truck, and making it through security were good distractions, but as our plane lifted off and I peered out the window overlooking the Bay and Pacific Beach, it all hit me. I looked out at the city we love, friends we love, and a dog out there being left behind and started to cry. I know, a little dramatic, but everything I was looking out onto has been our home for some time now, and I was sad to leave it. As we embark on this chapter in our lives we are certainly grateful and excited about the opportunity - still, it doesn't mean that our heart won't long for our beloved four-legged family member and her silly smile.