Goodbye, friend

Dear reader,

A few weeks ago, a friend broke up with me. I use this phrase as it wasn't a case of us growing apart or a fellowship gone sour. In this instance, an affinity I once relied on and thought was one that would last a long time, preferably forever, ended with a text message. 

Don't worry, if you got this far, this blog post isn't as dreary or maudlin as it might sound. In fact, it might be nauseatingly hopeful, reminiscent of Pollyana and Mr. Rogers. 

To say I wasn't happy that day and even for most of that week, is an understatement. But in that same week, I had an exchange with two friends that succeeded in bringing me out of my doldrums. It was partly because of what they said, but mostly it was because of circumstances that led to our friendships being cemented. Both of those people I met or became close to shortly before I left a country. Both of those connections developed mostly online and when we had time to meet face to face again, they flourished. What they both taught and reminded me was that even though I can't keep everyone, there are people who want to keep me as a friend whatever the conditions. 

Because of them, I remembered that my mind and heart traveled far before I even left my country.I found friendship wherever I could and realized early on how important it is to cultivate them however they started. More than ever, I appreciate the beauty in friendships that you can bring everywhere with you. By no means am I saying that my current companions who haven't been tested in the same way aren't as indispensable or permanent. But at that moment, I needed those reminders and words of comfort from people who I've been apart from but didn't let that stop them from being a friend to me. 

As always,  thought, I can't help but think that I still need to thank that person that led me to this realizations. For a time, she was my friend. For a time, she and I brought each other laughter, comfort and camaraderie. For a time, we were important to each other. I thank her for the opportunity to have had her in my life and the lessons she taught me even as she bid a hasty goodbye. 

And that concludes my late night musings. I leave you with a quote and virtual hugs (if you want 'em).