Finally! I'm done!

Although I stood in line at the Walmart in Ephraim, Utah at midnight July 21 to buy my (second) copy of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," I just finally finished it two minutes ago! I was determined to watch the four videos, then see the fifth movie at the theatre, then reread the sixth book (which I had only read once last year) and THEN start the seventh book. I had preordered a copy from Amazon with a giftcard I'd earned on my credit card, but as we were driving to Mt. Pleasant for five days the evening of July 20th, we all decided we must time our arrival in Ephraim for midnight so we could buy books...It was actually quite fun, as their Walmart generally closes at midnight, but was staying open for a special event just to sell Harry Potter. When the Duncans came to Fairview to ride ATV's the next day, we had FOUR copies of the book in the motorhome. Grandma Sargeant, Amy, Stephen, and Jacob were reading on and off all day. Since I was only on page 40 0f Book 6 by this time (and still had not seen the fifth movie) I would not allow anyone to speak a word about Book 7 in my presence!!! Jeff, Amy, Ally, and I went to see the movie when we got home and I finally started the last book last week. Because I've been so busy, I've only had time to read a few pages at a time and it has been very frustrating! I started the last exciting section last night and was looking forward to Maddie's orthodontist appointment this morning for half an hour of uninterrupted reading! (I did have to leave the office and sit in the car for a bit while I recovered from my sobbing at one point.) When we got home I had to do my agenda for a presidency meeting, have the meeting, then meet with the missionaries, take Maddie to ballet, and take the girls home...Finally...I sat down and ignored everything else-including fixing dinner for my hard-working husband-and finished the book! Now I can do nothing but think about the series and the incredible ride it has been.
Not even just the story itself, full of adventure, symbolism, hope, and triumph, but the whole Harry Potter experience. My brother-in-law says there is something to be said about not reading the books till the series is done. Now he can read them quickly, one after another, with no waiting to see what's going to happen. Most often, I would agree with him. But for this series I can only quote what Amy wrote on her blog when she finished the book.
"I wouldn't have given up these years for anything! I loved the experiences of growing up with the characters, waiting in line anxiously for the next book, seeing Harry Potter books in the hands of the most unlikely people, buying all things Potter-related, and enjoying the magic created by J.K. Rowling for my generation and all the generations to come. Thanks J.K. Rowling for your creation, thanks to all you fellow Potter fans young and old, and to Harry, Ron, Hermione and all the fabulous and very believable characters of the books, thanks for a wonderful ride. Expecto Patronum!"
It's kind of pathetic when a fifty-year-old woman gets teary-eyed and a lump in her throat over a post about a fictional children's book series, but I totally agree with Amy. I can't believe it's over...but I'm sure glad I was along for the whole experience. Thanks, J.K.. from me too!