Today is the last day of work for a lot of my old coworkers back in San Diego. My inbox this morning was full of goodbye emails. And despite the fact that in a lot of cases I didn't even know the people who were sending them, I found my eyes smarting. I almost did just fall apart when I read e-mails from friends.
And it isn't just about the dear friends in San Diego. Like an avalanche, that was just the last snowflake to set it off. I think about all you beautiful friends, all up and down beautiful California and all the way to the beautiful east coast. From the snippets of conversations at odd hours I learn about how all your lives are changing, with new jobs, new priorities, new goals and challenges. Oh, the challenges you confess to me, and I can't be there to give you my full attention and a hug! (or a shot, whatever's more appropriate)
It's so strange... I wasn't as emotional when I was the one leaving. But maybe that's just it. I was overcome with the excitement of facing my new future, there wasn't any room for regretting what I was leaving. I think it's because I tricked myself into thinking what I left behind would always be there. But now I know that's not true.
Friends are being thrown in different directions. I'm scared we won't be able to keep up with each other now that we're not all where we used to be (physically and internally). I haven't settled here yet, I can't have my anchors being flung about!
Please tell me that 8 hours, an ocean, a lot of land, and a helluvalot more change does not get in the way of friendship. Please tell me I have nothing to fear.