One of my closest friends is moving more than 600 miles away this week. I'm having my goodbye lunch with her today. I can't begin to tell you how sad I am. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy for the opportunities she's going to have, but I'm incredibly sad. We've been through a lot together during the last several years. We've been through bad dates, bad relationships, losing jobs, getting new jobs, moving away and moving back. We've gone through different dress sizes, different hair styles, even different hair colors.
Yesterday she told me how she didn't cry once during her last day of work. She wanted to share because she knew I'd be proud of her. But I'm not sure I can do the same at lunch. I know we'll still be good friends, that won't change. But it's hard to imagine my life without her living nearby. The last time she moved away, heck the last time I moved away, I think we both knew in our hearts we'd move back to the Tampa area. This time, I'm afraid, she's leaving for good. And I don't know what to say. I know, I'm rarely speechless.
During the past few months I've been encouraging her to make the best career and lifestyle choices for herself, never once thinking about what I'd be losing. Then I've spent the past few weeks in denial. Today is the reality. She really has been there for me more times than I can count. She's always refreshingly positive and makes me see the silver lining without making it so cliche or pukey sounding. When I lost my job in March she never said anything as trite as everything happens for a reason. Instead we ate ice cream and started brainstorming what my next opportunity would be.
I have so many great things to say about her, but know I'm not doing her justice in my sad, sleep-deprived state. Hopefully I'll have something more poignant to say when we go to her all-time favorite Tampa restaurant for lunch. I have so many memories of our times together and honestly have a hard time remembering life before I met her. She's one of those friends who will literally drop everything she's doing if you need help. She's the one on the sidelines saying "you can do it" when you just want to quit. There aren't enough words to express how lucky I've been to have her in my life. So for now, I'll just tell you how fabulous she and I'll miss her.
Stylishly yours,
Miss Attitude
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
I'm going to try not to cry
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
7 comments:
Been through that. One of my best friends from my childhood has moved away not once, but twice. The first time was when we were kids - his father was transferred to Oklahoma. The second time was earlier this year - he moved to Georgia to be closer to his kids. *hugs*
Sorry to hear your friend is moving away. Thank god for the internet / email - at least it is easier to stay in touch now than it was in days of yore!
The same thing happened to me last year with a friend from grad school. We'd been through our crazy accelerated program, meeting and then marrying her hubby (I was in the wedding) and the birth of her son, from whom I babysat as often as possible. Not only was she leaving, but she was taking much loved hubby and baby with her. Although it was the right move and she had all of my support, it sure made me sad. Purse shopping will never be the same! But the friendship remains deep and satisfying, despite the distance, as I know yours will, too.
What a lovely tribute to your friend -- and your friendship. And I have a sneaking suspicion that if asked, she would say the exact same things about you. *MWAH*
Just work that much harder to keep in touch!
I am sad for you ms. attitude. i think we all have had that one person move away from us. but no worries, b/c she will just be a phone call and text away. and another positive now you have a new place to go visit. which reminds me i need to come visit you! miss ya!
I hate when good friends move away. It's like a lingering emptiness that takes a while to go away. The good news is that, when you see her, you will have the BEST visit. Hang in there!
Post a Comment