A little over five years ago, Cole joined the football team. A little over five years ago we first met Coach Mo & his vivacious bride Carin. Carin is the definition of vivacious! She’s energetic, magnetic, a beautiful soul inside & out. Greg (Mo) is no slouch himself. Together they are a dynamic combination and they’ve made my time here in Germany that much better. Last night we said goodbye.
Insert curse words here. I hate goodbye’s. I’m getting to an age where it’s getting harder to roll with the punches. It’s getting harder to pick myself up, meet a new friend, set up new traditions, and try again. I know I’m blessed to have friends all over the globe. I’ve made some life-long best buds who brighten my day with just a word, a text, a quick call. But. I miss my “here” friends. The ones I can call for a cup of coffee, a roadside rescue, a last minute movie. The ones I can count on for holidays, fests, beer at the brauhaus. The ones that fill in for family on birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and even hospital visits. My here friends are the ones I lean on. Last night we said goodbye.
Today I’m feeling sad. Deflated. Empty. Last night I laughed, cried a little, hugged them one more time. Greg greeted me, Tess & Dane with a big family hug. All three of us swept into his big bear embrace. And not a quick hug, but a long hug. A real hug. A hug I can feel today that’s making my eyes cry. Stupid eyes.
Last night we said goodbye.
Saying goodbye is always a sad thing, sorry you had to do so again. I know how you feel though, growing up we moved every 2-3 years and I would have to start all over again.. new kid in school, new house, new city, new everything.. by the time I felt comfortable again, it was time to move again. Feeling your pain, yet knowing that there are always all the great memories which never go away. This world is much more “smaller” now with all its technology, it makes it easier to keep in touch and reach out and connect. So much better than the “snail mail” days and lack of video. Cherish the good times you all had together and hope for more in the future someday. Best wishes
Well, now TWO of us are crying! Like you, I’ve been there so many times. Sometimes we were the ones leaving, sometimes they were the ones leaving. Way back in ’84, our best friend couple got orders to the Philippines! Their last night in town they got a sitter for their young teenage girls and we went out for supper and drinks at the club. Supper was a fun time, my fave restaurant here in my home town, new to them. Sort of a dive, awesome food, good beer! Later at the club, things got more maudlin and we headed to our house. Things got sadder, the guys got quieter and Mary & I started “trying” not to cry. These were the friends we went to for everything! Just like you with Mo & Carin. Hopefully UNlike you, I ended up the next morning at the clinic on base because my left eye was totally red! Scared both of us to death! Looked awful too. First thing doc asked me was had I had any stress in my life very recently. I tried to tell him my best friends left “this morning” for 5 years, couldn’t even get it said very well, was crying too hard. Normally I’m not a cryer, more prone to yelling! Doc gave me some eye drops, told me to think about the wonderful experiences my friends would have and be happy for them. Drops helped, advice not so much. It just takes time……..then more time………. Donna was right, it’s so much easier now than back then. Mail was never very satisfying but cell phones and email are wonderful tools for keeping in touch! Hang in there, it will get better!