Just take a deep breath. Cry all you need to. Please try not to be too angry at your parents. Keep in mind...they are just like you, only older and with a lot more on their plate (not demeaning what you have in your life, because I remember being in ninth grade, it's hard work!). Your parents have to make decisions that scare them, changes that they aren't sure about, they have to make new friends and start over, too. It's not easy for them, either, even if they are excited about the move. I remember being taken from South Carolina and moved to Germany! It was hard, I don't think I ate for a week. I cried, I pouted, I fretted, I worried. And, then we moved anyway. You seem to be a very outgoing, active, open minded person. I don't see you having problems making new friends. And, believe me, the friends you're meant to keep in touch with, you will. I have a friend that I've known since third grade. She's the only friend I still keep in touch with regularly since I left the USA when we were in 8th grade. I moved a lot after that move, too, and I can tell you this. Every single move was hard. I cried and worried. I missed the people I left, but I made new friends where I went. And, from each place, I have memories that other people wish they had! There are pros and cons to both types of lifestyles...never moving and moving all the time. Any time changes pop up, you really have to try and embrace the positive aspects of them. Face the negative ones, admit that it sucks in a lot of ways...and then move on from it. You will only hurt yourself if you focus too much on what you're leaving behind. And, Arizona is within the continental USA! If you can drive, you're never really that far.

You know I think a lot of you and your sister. And, I may not be able to know EXACTLY what you're feeling, but I can relate very closely. I remember what it was like. Keep your chin up. I think you should give it a shot. Character is built during times like this!

xoxo