The Long Goodbye

Everyday I am reminded about how great my friends truly are and today is a day I wish they were around.

Its been a while since I posted anything and quite a bit has happened. I’ve graduated, said good bye to friends, moved back to Eastern Oregon, started a job, a little bit of male drama (some good some bad).  Instead of forcing you to read a really long post of all of those things I will write a series of posts.

First–Graduating.

Finally! But of course this experience was more than bitter-sweet. I knew with my accomplishment came something I was dreading–saying goodbye to those who had impacted my life and changed me from the girl I was four years ago. While the group that made that happened changed along the way those who remained in the end mean more to me than they will ever know.

I can’t believe that the chapter at Pacific is over. As I walked across campus to turn in my keys and officially end my time there I couldn’t help but see the ghost of my last for years there. Pacific will always hold a dear place in my heart. The people who changed my life, the lessons I learned, the person I became–it all happened there.

I spent about an extra week and half in the grove just to soak up more time with the Besties as possible. It ended up costing a lot of money but it was totally worth it.

It was difficult saying goodbye to people slowly. Kind of like taking off a band-aid. But I’ve never been able to just rip it off. I just slowly ease my way through it taking breaks to breathe and relax in between. That’s just how this long goodbye happened.

There were tons of years and to cope I went shopping. Its a great therapy. Now every time I wear those sunglasses, shoes, dresses, shirt, tights, etc I will think of that person.

The first person I said “see you later” to was Amber. I’ve known her since freshman year. It was harder than I thought it would be but I’m glad we ended it with a great last girls night full of drinks, dancing, and singing. I love looking at those pictures. Sometimes they make me laugh, most of the time I get teary eyed. But I always feel blessed and full of joy because those girls are mine forever and I feel like the luckiest person in the world.

After all, seasons change, so do cities; people come into your life and people go.But it’s comforting to know that the ones you love are always in your heart. And if you’re very lucky, a plane ride away. (Carrie Bradshaw “Sex and the City”)

Then there are the guys. I’ll miss them too. But they didn’t leave (well except Sam) I left them. I’ll miss the weekends at Sam’s and thirsty thesis thursdays.

I’ll miss hearing sara and linds crazy stories. I’ll miss watching SATC with Amy. I’ll miss ganging up on Kevin. I’ll miss being called Miss Lily at Grendels. I’ll miss the people I met that made the time here so damn memorable.

I know that those who I stayed to spend those last ten days with will always be there. They will be only a plane ride away and I will constantly try to build Indiana up so that they are tempted to come see all its greatness!

Love you all! Thanks for being you and loving me too!