Hail and Farewell

HAIL AND FAREWELL

     Did I tell you that my friend is moving? Not just a down the street and over two blocks move. It’s a pack-the-china-carefully, hit the highway, and drive across the country move. And I am not happy. In all truth, of course, it isn’t about me. It’s about my friend and the enormity of what lies ahead for her. But in the nitty-gritty of life, it is about me, because I am going to be left behind to miss her.     I’ve been here before. Many times actually. The military in its infinite wisdom moved my husband and me and the kids and assorted pets 19 times in 26 years. So you’d think I’d be better at this saying “goodbye” business. But, for me, it was easier to move than to stay. When you move, adventure lies ahead of you. A new house, new city, new neighbors (although I really hated leaving some of my neighbors!) and a clean slate. But staying behind is another story. There is a hole in your life that can’t be filled.

There will be no more spur of the moment lunches at our favorite pizza parlor (where, ironically, the best thing on the menu is not pizza but chicken wings). No more Monopoly Deal games when we needed to clear our heads on writing retreats. No more prompts to read aloud and be embarrassed by.

On the positive side, there is always the internet. We’ll be able to skype. She’ll still be able to “attend” our Saturday morning writing group and share her wisdom with us. She will still be part of Paddlecreek Writers, but she will be the branch office. The lone outpost in a “foreign” town. The kid away at college.

And so, I struggle with my emotions. Happy for her for what lies ahead? Of course. Sorry that we won’t be sharing cups of Downton Abby Christmas Tea this year? You betcha. Proud of her for what she has already achieved and what she will accomplish in the future? Definitely. Sorry that our annual Christmas party will be devoid of her veggie fritters? Yup. I could go on and on, but you get the picture.

So, you may wonder,  what’s the point of writing this on our Paddlecreek site? First, of course, is to let my friend know she is going to be missed. Dreadfully. But also because it is an example how everything becomes fodder for a writer. Do you have something going on that could benefit from some writing therapy? Pour your heart out. It’s the right thing to do.

And to my friend, you are truly and honestly irreplaceable and will be missed Oh! So! Much!!! Bev.

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