Tomorrow I will be saying Goodbye to my friend Nat. Nat & I have worked together for the last 4.5 years. She and her husband are originally from Miami, FL and have been in Raleigh for over 6 years. Leo got a job transfer and they will be moving to Lakeland, FL this weekend. Nat will be transferring to our NASS office in Orlando.
I heard it once said at a leadership conference that you don’t have REAL friendships/relationships if you don’t have conflict. Because if two unperfect people have a relationship and there is NEVER disagreements then the relationship is surface. Well if that’s true then Nat & I have a REAL friendship. We have made each other laugh and we have made each other cry. We have been there for each other during the good & hard times and we disappointed each other along the way. But through it all, we have remained REAL friends.
Before I met Todd, I involved Nat on every life decision I ever made. Nat went with me when I wanted to purchase my first home. I think my realtor thought we were lesbians. Nat went with me when I lost my mind and I thought having a dog as a companion was a good idea. I can’t remember if she was with me when I took that dog back 5 days later. Nat has had a sufficient impact on my life. The reason why this blog exists and the reason why I’m getting more into photography is because of Nat. She showed me that normal folks can take breath taking pictures that capture the life around us. Nat has been my friend & companion at work and I don’t know if NC Ag Statistics will be the same without her.
So as a tribute to my friend, here are some pictures from the past 5 years together in North Carolina.
Together, we have learned about agriculture in NC. Lots of pigs!
Even Leo learned a little about ag along the way
Nat was the master mind behind many dress up parties at work.
We experienced a lot of FIRSTS together. I was with Nat & Leo when they took their first ever camping trip at Jordan Lake. I was a little wiser & left that night before the rain came down and they literally got locked in the campgrounds! I don't think they ever went camping again after that.
We went to Grandfather mountain together for the 1st time.
Hiking was my idea & I don't think Leo was too happy. (Don't worry he was just kidding!)
I took Nat & Leo to their first country bar. This was Nat on the mechanical bull at the LongBranch. Hysterical to watch. I don't know if you can see me but I'm in the green shirt with the beadie eyes screaming "Hold on Nat! You can do it!"
Nat was the one who challenged me to run my FIRST & ONLY ½ marathon. We use to train & run at Lake Lynn together 3 times a week. That was one of my greatest accomplishments. I can’t tell you how proud I was of crossing that finish line after 13.1 miles and Nat was right beside me.
Nat has always supported me in the many things that I’ve gotten myself involved in over the years. This was when she helped one Sunday at Bumper Crop along with our co-worker & friend, Teresa.
Nat, myself & Laci have been the 3 muskateers at work over the last 5 years. We have had lots of fun times together and have thrown lots of parties together.
Laci & I were there when Nat got her Masters in Financial Math from NC State.
The 3 of us were in DC for a week one summer together & got to go to a Nationals baseball game.
And most recently....
Nat's baby shower was at my house before Mr. Nicolas came into this world. I think this might have been one of my mother's first baby quilts.
We did prepping before the little guy came. We made those letters & were so proud of ourselves.
February 23, 2009. The day Nicolas was born.
I babysat Nat’s crazy dog Pebbles for 2 nights. The night Nic was born Pebbles wouldn’t go to sleep until I let her in my bed. She gave me the saddest eyes and I think she knew that she wasn’t about to be the center of attention anymore. So I let her up. Pebbles is the only dog I have EVER let sleep with me in my bed.
Nic become a big boy in North Carolina & is about to celebrate his 2nd birthday soon.
The boys! You really can't talk about Nat & Leo's experiences in NC without Mike, Matt & Joe. Not only have they been good friends to Leo but also to Nat & Nic.
Nat was at the SURPRISE engagement party the night I got engaged. I told her that Todd was acting weird & I thought he was going to propose that night. I’ll never forget her response “Who gets engaged on a Wednesday?” She had me convinced that it wasn’t going to happen that night. She was there when I walked into that surprise party. She got me!
Nat & Leo started their lives, careers & family here in NC. I know that NC will always have a special place in their heart. Honestly, I don't know if its actually hit me that Nat is leaving. Nat has always been here so its going to be different with her not being in Raleigh. Although I am very happy for Leo's new oppurtunity and excited for them that they'll be closer to family, I am sad. No matter what ups & downs Nat and I may have had, she's been a GOOD friend to me. GOOD, TRUE, REAL friends are hard to come by. Those types of friends are REASONAL, not seasonal. Meaning that God put them in your path for a reason- to teach you both something.
Thanks Nat for being such a good friend! I wish you nothing but the best and pray God blesses this new chapter in your life that you are about to embark on.
Like the sign says, GOOD LUCK! WE'll miss you!!!
Love you!
Candice
