It's so haaaaaaard to say goodbyyyyyyyyye to yesterdaaaaaaaaay

So.
I have been sitting here for two days trying to figure out how to write this blog post.
Cause it's not that easy.
How do I find the right words?
How do I even attempt to summarize a twelve year friendship in a few words?

My dear friend, Melissa (whom I love), has moved away. She and her husband and family needed a time of respite, to reconnect and reevaluate the most important things in their lives. And so her husband has taken a sabbatical from our church and their family will be spending the next six months in Virginia at a pastor's retreat so that they can discover God's plan for the next stage in their lives. I am so happy for them to be given this opportunity... I know they needed it. Her hubby has worked tirelessly as an associate pastor for years... going on mission trips whenever possible, running the administrative side of church, and even performing weddings nearly every weekend. It's a tough job, and it can take its toll. Allowing them an opportunity to just REST and RECONNECT will be a wonderful thing. And doing it away from anyone that might distract them or pull them away from this time of rest makes sense. So for that, I am very happy for them... all of them. And Virginia is beautiful and rich in history and has fireflies in the summer. It will be an amazing time.

But, in the midst of all that is happening with them, my selfish heart is broken. Melissa (whom I love) isn't here anymore. I haven't been able to call her to discuss the ridiculous things that Mark & Mercedes were discussing on the radio, or email her the latest completely hysterical youtube video involving Matt Damon that I found (link not included because, naturally, it's completely inappropriate). I haven't been able to call her when I am driving even though I always call her when I am driving. My car rides are suddenly very boring. I don't get to ask her if she wants to accompany me on a Target run so we can walk the clearance endcaps looking for random goodness (like strawberry marshmallows!!! What the heck!!?!!), or chat with her online while I should be editing millions of photos. And Coffee & Massage Fridays will never be the same without Mel there. And Spring Break... sigh. Cause who's going to meet celebrities with me now? And who is going to give me the Best Birthday Ever??

Melissa has been like an extra appendage of mine. Not like an appendix or the pinky toe, though. Something useful, like the left ear. And even though I no longer have the left ear, it's fine... cause I still have the right. But every time I try to listen to something on the left side I get irritated cause it's not there and I have to move things around to make it work. That's how I feel. Cause I am constantly reminded that my left ear isn't there and I really thought it was the cutest part of my head. And people look at me funny when they see me cause I only have one ear. Or maybe they just look at me funny because I am not wearing any pants. Who knows.

Mel you are my Glinda and I am your Elphaba. Except I am not green and I can't sing. But you, my friend, have left your handprint on my heart and I will always, always love you and miss you.



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

now I don't know if I believe that that is true
but I know I'm who I am today because I knew you...

like a comet pulled from orbit
as it passes the sun,
like a stream that meets a boulder
halfway through the wood...

who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

It well may be
that we will never meet again
in this lifetime
so let me say before we part:
so much of me
is what I have learned from you
you'll be with me,
like a handprint on my heart

now whatever way our stories may end
I know you have rewritten mine
by being my friend...

Like a ship blown from it's mooring
by a wind off the sea
like a seed dropped by a skybird
in a distant wood

who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you...
I have been changed
for good ...