Tough week

Well, one of my best friends and a vital part of 3rd Place is leaving. Adam and Jessica Clarke have been a part of the group since we started almost a year ago. It was definitely a small group back then, only 6 or 7 of us each week. Now, almost a year later, we have had as many as 15 or 16 on Monday nights.
Adam and Jess haven't just been a huge part of the group, but also in the lives of Michelle and myself.

My friendship with Adam started almost 3 years ago when I started working at Mary Haven Rehabilitation Center. Adam was a part-time staff member and we worked almost every weekend together. He and I connected pretty quickly and soon I was asking about his church background. Eventually I invited Adam to visit my church. Actually I think I invited him quite a few times. He finally visited about 3 or 4 months later and he and Jess instantly connected. They became members and both became part of the small group that would become 3rd Place.

Since then, we have celebrated, shared, cried, prayed, grown, and encouraged each other in many ways. Michelle and I were proud to spend time with Jess and Adam when Jess was about to give birth to Rowan(the most beautiful baby in the world.)

Adam had a great opportunity to advance in his career. He was offered a job as the head of loss prevention for two stores in malls in the suburbs of Detroit. Although I am extatic for him and the opportunity he has, I am very sad to see him, Jess, and Rowan leave. I don't cry often but this morning I had a hard time holding back tears as I thought of Adam saying goodbye.

I hope to stay close to them and see his daughter grow up. Adam has been more than a great friend to me, he really has been a brother. I love him and Jess very much and hope the best for them.

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