My 12-year-old daughter's friend is moving overseas in a few weeks and likely will not be moving back to this area ever again (i.e. it's not just a temporary job transfer). I am looking for ideas of things my daughter can do to say goodbye to her friend. I realize they will be able to keep in touch via email, etc. but am looking for something extra. They were mainly friends at school but shared a locker and several classes/after school programs together, etc. (they have known each other since 2nd grade but only recently reconnected after being at two different schools the remainder of elementary school). I am not really friends with her parents (they are very nice people--we just don't socialize that much together) so we have not been included in any going away parties that have already been held, etc. so what my daughter does would mainly be just from her and not part of a group effort. Any ideas? TIA for your help!
I would do a photo book too...or if there is not enough time, then a collage. We moved overseas for a while and a relative made one for my son. It was great. He took it out often to remind him of all the people that loved him back home.
You could get them each a matching photo book, then let them fill it with pictures that they already have (if they do) and some they can take in the time they have left. Maybe you could take the two of them out for a day of fun... Maybe hit an amusement park, water park, pool, mall, etc. (get those pics! Lol) have them each write a note to the other to go on the first page.
If you don't have Skype it would be great to have for the girls. My daughter has a pen pal in England. Initially it was letters then email and now skype. Their family came to Florida a couple of years ago and we rented a house and were together for 2 weeks. It was great!
Another thought for going away is a disc of some of the songs they love. You could put photos set to music and it would be easier if they're moving to store. I don't know what the situation is but when my dad transferred to Spain when I was 12 there were strict guidelines on how much weight we could carry on the plane etc. You could put together a travel bag (maybe a backpack with her initials or name monogrammed on) and fill it with single serve snacks they allow on planes, gum, a recent DVD etc for a long trip.
Bless you for being so thoughtful. I hope the girls remain connected. It was always so nice when I would get a letter from home :-). Makes me smile even now!
Blessings,
L.
A collage of pictures of their years together. Make one for each. My daughter was 13 when her best friend moved cross country I did it for them. They are now 37 and 39 and still cherish those collages.
