Heather had a conversation today with a friend that went something like this: "So, any plans for the weekend?" "Well, this afternoon, Patrick and I are going to a graduation party for a student of his." "Oh, that sounds nice." "Yeah, and then we're going to a ballet recital for one his swimmers." "Oh, that sounds...busy." "Yup."
Heather told me she stopped their because she thought her friend wouldn't really understand if she told her that after the recital we were off to a BBQ for "Paul's Chicks," an awesome group of women in the Tri-class I've worked with since January(that's Paul in the photo). In truth, that was our day. On the surface it looks like party hopping- and who can turn down two free meals with a professional quality ballet recital- but below the surface was a journey I have long known but never really successfully prepared for. Today was the beginning of some tender goodbyes. Friends from my old parish, swimmers from TOPS and my Tues/Thurs morning inspiration from Paul's Chicks. Some people I'm just not ready to let go of. It was beautiful to see so many parts of these last two years come together in one afternoon. In a way, I was like Scrooge in Christmas Carol, faced with blessings I have only partially appreciated. But I was glad for the chance- another chance to say thank you, to say I love you, and then to begin to say goodbye. Anyone who has known me for a short time knows that the everage goodbye with me lasts at least 20 minutes. I have done a lot of leaving in my life, and it teaches you to savor those last few moments. I suppose I'm grateful that I'll have a couple months for some. Those of you who will say goodbye, know that I will never be the same because of God's work in you. If I have touched your life, give Glory to God, for I know that you have touched mine.
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