I got news today about someone leaving.
I am sad.
I am drawn to these words from the Musical, Wicked, the song FOR GOOD:
(Glinda):
I’ve heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you…
I immediately found some comfort in knowing that, with technology, we can easily keep in touch.
I, a lover of books and believer that through story, we learn how to live, immediately thought of the book to give this person as a remembrance of our time together and a help in the future.
People will continue to cross paths with me.
And I’ll continue to feel sad when they leave.
Writing Stories by Sally 
I recently had a similar experience and we quoted from the same Musical for this. I know just how you feel.
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“Because I knew you” is a lovely song to sing when you feel this loss deeply. So sorry.
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How wonderful it is that you thought of a book to share with your friend. Words connect us — and will continue to do so long after your friend has left.
Jen
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Ooh, I know that sad feeling all too well! Sometimes it is even harder to be the one leaving than the one staying behind, because you will at least have all your same support network in place bar that one person. You are right to celebrate the friendship you have and indeed technology will help you stay in touch.
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My best friend and neighbor moved last July. I wrote about it on Sunday – http://assessmentinperspective.com/?p=3588 I still miss them every day, but we just came back from a visit over Easter. Hang in there!
Clare
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I left my school last year. It was hard telling my teammates of 10 years and I know they were sad. I felt terrible and I wanted them to know my decision had nothing to do with them, that I loved them. But how do you explain you need something new without hurting people? I did my best. I know you will do your best with your friend that is leaving too.
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I've had this experience many times in my adult life. Make time to stay in touch. Make room for new people coming into your life.
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The friends we leave behind or leave us behind, continue to have an impact on our lives – some subtle, some strong – but they remain with us forever. Isn't it wonderful that some wonderful people have spots on our timelines?
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How thoughtful to choose the just right book for your friend. I understand the sadness.
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What a lovely gesture, Sally, and you are right, technology will allow you to stay in touch.
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What a lovely gesture, Sally, and you are right, technology will allow you to stay in touch.
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I totally understand, and have been their too.
I love Wicked, and the words to that song strike me many time.
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It must be in the air. Beautifully written and heartfelt.
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It must be in the air. Beautifully written and heartfelt.
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JEEZ. First, how do so many people read your blog? My friend, you have quite the following. (Be proud) Second, can you help me set up a blog? Some of my true feelings are inappropriate to share with third graders. Lastly, this is more than just saying goodbye to a friend. I know everyone doesn't know the whole story, but it's more about the friend. It's about the pain and the damage that this is causing the friend. Lastly, how did you ever become comfortable leaving the paper journal to this very public tech world. Do you still keep a paper journal? I have 47 stashed journals in my bedroom. It's a leap!
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