As we edge closer to our move date, a gap widens. Friends say our departure will leave a hole. I understand, having grieved friendship-shifts as some of my own buddies have moved away. I’m not sure which is harder, the leaving or the being left. Consider a life as a piece of fabric. If one friend moves on, there is a noticeable rip, a gap in your life as you knew it. The loss is felt. Every time you wish to go to the museum, or a live music event, or the favorite restaurant where you and your friend spent hours over coffee or wine or beer, just enjoying the benefits of deep friendship, you grieve their absence. It’s really hard.
On the flipside, the person moving away has so many rips in the fabric of their social life, they might feel naked. Or at least unprepared and anxious for the times ahead. But reweaving a new life brings new connections, new experiences, new discoveries about their chosen city. A friend moves away and you patch up the hole, in time. When you are the one leaving, threads of excitement tangle in the sad weft. I am mindful of both gaps as we take time to say goodbye, being present for one last conversation and hug, accepting well wishes with grace and gratitude.
Read more about the moving process this Wednesday here…on Substack.
Patty Mayeux Blog 
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