The Beginning of the End

How do you do it? How do you say goodbye to the most wonderful people you've ever had a chance to share life with? To the people who have been your community, your co-workers, your friends, and your family for the past two years? To the people who know you better than anyone else, and to whom you've shared part of your deepest thoughts and struggles with, yet still love and accept you? To the people who have watched and spurred your growth from a girl just out of college to a young woman ready to take the next step in life? To the people you've laughed with, fought with, prayed with, and cried with?

I've had transitions in my life - I've moved away from people or people have moved away from me, but always there was the hope, or at least the illusion, that we would all still be in the same area and we could all still get together often. But this time, though my life may end up coming alongside of one or some of these wonderful people again, I know it will never come alongside of all of them again at once. These past two years have been the rarest, most precious gift I could have ever asked for. And though I know that it isn't over yet, it is hard to find the balance between beginning to grieve and prepare my heart for the loss and enjoying and making the most of these last couple of months.

To the men and women who have been my shoulders to cry on, my wonderful friends, and my mentors and sources of wisdom; to the young women who have been my sisters and who have loved me unconditionally, to the children who have been my nieces and nephews, my smiles and hugs and precious joys; and to the young men who have been my brothers, my supporters, my much-needed dose of laughter, and my simultaneous growth and comfort, I love you all more than words can say.

I aim to make the most of the time we have left together, and, after we go our separate ways, to hold you dear in my heart forever.

Yours,
Mich