SIDE by SIDE!

Side by Side -- Wouldn't have it any other way!

It never gets easier. It is always hard. I simply cannot get over it.

I married Kiki in 2005 and when we are apart, I am not whole. She truly completes me in so many ways and every time we are separated, it gets harder and harder. 

Kiki and I worked the Grandma's Marathon expo together in Duluth, Minnesota last weekend -- sort of an escape from the harsh heat of the south as it was in the 40's and 50's for the duration of our stay there. Still, it was so great to work an event together. Working side by side -- that's the way it should be.

Our return flight arrived in Atlanta late on Sunday evening. Upon our arrival, we quickly claimed the TEAM 413 gear at baggage claim and made our way to the offsite shuttle area. The problem? Kiki got on one shuttle to go retrieve her SUV and drive through the night to our new home in Seacrest, Florida. I waited to board another shuttle for a two hour ride back to our previous home in Athens, Georgia. I had to go back to Athens in order to tie up loose ends, pack some things, and prepare to for a trip to Indianapolis for the National Athletic Trainers' Association Annual Symposium where I speak this week.

Kiki had to be back to her new job at the Rosemary Beach Trading Company by Monday morning and I was off in a different direction. I have been among packed boxes, Goodwill donation items, and bare walls in Athens for three days and as I write this post, I sit in a hotel room in downtown Indy after a 10 hour drive today. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder -- well, it also makes one a little sad!

After my last presentation this coming Saturday, Kiki and I will meet back in Athens, pack the rest of our belongings, load a rental truck, and drive back to Florida. I calculated the mileage that we will have traveled since we left to go to Duluth, Minnesota last Wednesday until we settle in Florida some time next Tuesday night -- the grand total will be more than 8,200 miles! That's a lot of miles!

This adjustment of moving to full-time status with TEAM 413 has not been easy. To be honest, it has been much more difficult than I ever imagined. However, both of us would have it no other way because we know that the end result will be that we are reunited again soon, enjoying each other's company as we grow old together serving the Lord! OK.... as I grow old....Kiki never ages!

I claim and cling to this promise tonight .... and I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord! My plans are not to harm you, but to give you hope and a future -- The Chris Gillespie paraphrase of Jeremiah 29:11.

We are looking forward to a great future -- side by side!

Join us on this great adventure!

Under HIS Grace...

Chris