I have been able to see people I haven’t seen for several years. The first was an unexpected visit from my friend Chris. We grew up in the same neighborhood and have always called ourselves brother and sister. Chris, his wife, and girls are moving back to town. He stopped by unannounced. What timing.
Yesterday, my parents did my last farewell thing. Friends old and new came. There were many surprises. The first was my friend Rachel and her son. Rachel and I have known each other for at least 23 years if not longer. We thought we had already said our goodbye but I’m glad we got another chance to see each other. Her parents, sister, and nephew were also there.
Another friend, Allison, happened to be in town visiting her mom. They both came. Allison and I have known each other since junior high. It meant so much to see her before I left.
Then I thought I was seeing things. I turned around and saw someone in the doorway and thought, “That looks like Lucia.” Then I looked again and it really was Lucia. Lucia and her husband Allan had also been in town for something else and were able to come by. I haven’t seen then in years.
Those were pleasant surprises. It was just wonderful to have all the people I love so much in one room. Saying goodbye well will allow me to say hello well to all the new things in my life.
Today I am supposed to say goodbye to another dear friend. Tomorrow my nieces are out of school for MLK Day. My nieces, my sisters (including Rachael), and I are having a girls’ day out. We will be going out to eat and seeing Bedtime Stories.
Tuesday will be my last day of errands (hopefully). I’m having lunch with the Peacocks sometime this week. Saturday I will go to my goddaughter’s birthday party and have to say goodbye to her and her family.
Then Monday will be the hardest, so let’s not go there yet. It will be here soon enough.
