A Going Away to Texas Party {a.k.a. That Party I Never Wanted to Plan}
I’ve said this many times before, but one of the things I love about writing this blog is that I can totally be myself here. I write my life right along side posts about chicken pot pie and room makeovers, and it’s all fine because all of these things are who I am. I’ve shared some of my funniest stories, and also my deepest moments, and you all read along while we flip the pages together. This week, I’m turning a page of my life that I didn’t expect God to write, but He has, and so we will.
I shared with you recently that my life-long bestie, Denise, is moving to Texas. Their house is packed up, the truck is loaded, and it’s really happening. After over 40 years of being friends and living in Tennessee, we are starting a new chapter of living apart. But their family and friends could not let them slip out without a nice send-off, so that’s what we tried to do.
In beautiful Tennessee style, we decided to host the party in a barn, which turned out to be the perfect setting.
With wildflowers in buckets, Tennessee and Texas flags, and (of course chalkboards) as the basic decor, the fellowship of friends was the real focus of the night.
Of course there was barbecue, as well as chips, several other goodies, and a cupcake tray in the form of a Texas flag. We enjoyed it all while chatting about memories from forever ago and trying to keep tears from falling into our sweet tea.
It was a wonderful thing to see so many friends and family of Denise and her family work together to send them off in a way that is worthy of what they mean to us all. This is a core group of people who have been through many trials and triumphs and heartbreak and happiness together for many years now…
And we’ve thrown in a little crazy now and then, too.
Denise and I have had the rare privilege to have a part in every chapter of each other’s lives, from pre-school to college, to marriage, to driving our own kids to college together. And now this.
There are many chapters in our lives, and as the sun sets on this one, I remind myself that after 40-plus years of friendship, numerous heartaches, countless fits of laughter, husbands, 7 kids, and a roller coaster of emotional highs and lows, 867 miles aren’t enough to separate us. God, be with us in our next chapters!
Just a few of our finest moments through the years…
Amy
May 31, 2017 @ 7:02 am
Beautiful party! Many more adventures await you guys! I’m sure of it. Praying for you both during this time. ❤️
Julie
May 31, 2017 @ 1:42 pm
Thank you 🙂 I’m sure of it, too!
laura janning
May 31, 2017 @ 7:55 am
oh Julie, nothing will keep this treasured friendship apart…not even the distance. Best of luck to Denise and her family as she heads to Texas. What a sweet video.
Julie
May 31, 2017 @ 1:42 pm
Thank you, Laura!! 🙂
Jennifer
May 31, 2017 @ 9:37 am
What a sweet party, I love how personal all of the decor was! What a beautiful friendship!
Julie
May 31, 2017 @ 1:43 pm
Thanks so much, Jennifer 🙂
Southern & Style
May 31, 2017 @ 7:36 pm
This is just the cutest party ever! Even though it’s sort of a sad occasion, you still know how to put together a nice going away party!
xoxo, SS
Southern And Style
Julie
June 1, 2017 @ 9:11 am
Thanks so much, Jordyn! 🙂
Donna
June 1, 2017 @ 7:48 am
This has to be the best party ever! I don’t where in Texas your bestie will live but there is plenty to see and do in the Lone Star State. My oldest daughter lives in McKinney and they love it.
Julie
June 1, 2017 @ 9:17 am
Thanks so much! I’m sure they are going to love it, too! And I will definitely enjoy visiting!
Julie
June 1, 2017 @ 8:18 am
What an awesome party/tribute to a dear friend! I had tears in my eyes when viewing the video. Remember distance does not impact the heart – today’s technology will play the role that you’re still just down the street from each other!
Julie
June 1, 2017 @ 9:11 am
Thanks so much, Julie! I keep reminding myself of the same thing! 🙂
Tangelia
June 1, 2017 @ 1:51 pm
From the pictures, you can tell that you put all of your heart into this event! I am sorry that your friend moved, but know that God is with you wherever you are. I think you hit the nail on the head with the last sentiment! 867 miles cannot separate you when you have been friends that long!
P.S. I am a Tennessean too! I’ve lived here my entire life and love it too!
Julie
June 1, 2017 @ 2:39 pm
Thank you! I appreciate that! Yay, Tennessee! 🙂
Elisabeth
June 7, 2017 @ 8:42 am
What a beautiful memory you gave your friend to remember in the days ahead. Now you’ll have a place to stay when you visit Texas.
I have a lifelong bestie also. Once we married we didn’t live close to each other for years. Now we are only an hour apart but we still don’t see each other all the time. But talking… oh yes. We do a lot of that. Voxer is a great app for that! 🙂
Julie
June 7, 2017 @ 11:20 am
Thank you!! I appreciate the encouragement & the tip!
Lucy
June 8, 2017 @ 2:32 pm
I love all of the decorations, but most of all, I love reading about your friendship. One of my favorite blog posts of all time (from any blogger) is the one that described Denise as an Overcomer. I loved reading about the celebration that you and her friends through for her. It made me yearn to be a part of that group! Although you will be over 800 miles apart, your special friendship will stay strong. Thanks for sharing!
Julie
June 14, 2017 @ 12:41 pm
This is so sweet. Yes, we are a strong group of friends who have been through a lot together. Ive come to realize more and more how rare that really is. So glad you enjoyed the posts!
Kelly WEbb
June 14, 2017 @ 7:35 am
How sweet Julie!!!! What a GIFT – such a treasured friendship, may God give you both an extra measure of love, creativity and hope to do whatever it takes to cultivate ur bond amidst the miles – He Will! Loved seeing this!!
Julie
June 14, 2017 @ 12:42 pm
I appreciate this, Kelly! I know you have done a great job of staying close to your bestie through the years and across the miles! 🙂
Heidi
May 7, 2021 @ 12:17 pm
Hello,
Everything looks amazing! But I have to know where you found the backdrop for pictures. My friends are moving and I would love to have that at their party. Can you share that info?