When my daughter started school last fall, I was a bundle of nerves, but mostly excited and happy for her to experience new things. She is a very social little girl and loves to be around other children. I knew she would have fun making new friends and learning like a sponge, as children have a tendency to do. Little did I know that I too, would make a new friend at her school!

On one of the very first school days I met Crystal. I heard her mentioning that she was headed to the local gym to workout — which is where I was also going to kill some time while my daughter was in school. We ended up going together and were pretty much together every school day since, as we headed to the gym or park to exercise together.

This summer she and her family wrapped up a long chapter and moved away to begin what I know will be some of the most joyful moments of their lives. I will miss my “exercise buddy” this fall when my daughter starts school again, but mostly, I’ll really miss a great friend.

Below are a few photos I took of Crystal and her family at Gibraltar Gardens in Wilmington, Delaware.