Wednesday, May 16, 2007

People make the place

My hub and I are in the process of relocating to another city. As Martha would say, it's a "good thing" for our family and we are all very excited about our upcoming move. But with that change comes good-byes. Today was a day of good-byes which got me to thinking about how difficult it is going to be for me to leave my home of the past 13 years. This realization kind of took me by suprise. You see, there was a time in my life when I couldn't wait for this day to arrive. I'm a city girl at heart and there were just not enough skyscrapers or options for me in this town. As our demographics changed, as we became parents, as I began the transition from career woman to at-home mom I began to settle into this place. You know what I mean-I became friends with the shoe cobbler, I am on a first name basis with the grocery store cashier, I know all of the shortcuts around town, the best place to go for sushi, etc, etc. You get the picture. And in the process, I made the most amazing friends. Somehow, over time, this place became my home. So now, just one week from the day that movers will come and start packing my life into boxes, I'm waxing a little poetic. Sure, I'll find a new favorite shoe cobbler. I'll learn to navigate my way around our new city. And it might only take me a couple of weeks before I memorize the name of the grocery store cashier at my new Publix (yeah, I'm a Publix girl, no Winn-Dixie for me). But what's hanging heavy on my heart tonight is the separation from my friends. Sure, I'll make new friends. I know that. But you know what? There's nothing like an old friend. Old friends that know all your history. And you know theirs. Old friends that keep your secrets. Old friends that know all of the bad stuff about, say, your husband, and can still be nice to him. Old friends that are always on your side. Old friends that you can call at any time to talk you down from the ledge. I had to say good-bye to two of my closest friends today (sniff, sniff). But, hey...three hours is not too far to drive. And these girls WILL travel. Some of these girls will be over to see me before we can actually, really start missing one another. But still...it's not the same as being right there. And I'm just used to all of us just being right HERE. For a quick run to Starbucks, for a last minute lunch at Hopkins, for a "please come over and help me with this project I'm working on", for a "can I come over and see your new outfit?". So, while I'm very optimistic and excited about the novelty and discovery surrounding this move I'm feeling the first bit of blue about leaving the people of this place. My peeps. You know, "my girls". After all, skyscrapers are nice to look at and it's going to be so much fun to have lots and lots of dining, shopping and entertainment options but it's the people in a place that really count. It's the relationships that you have that help to give your life substance. It's the friendships that you make that help to make "a place" your home. So, tonight, I'm feeling a little homesick. You know...feeling a little blue. Really, truly going to miss the people of this place. This place I call home.

7 comments:

Kim@The Polka Dot Press said...

What do you mean you can't write? I'm positively weeping....
You know I'm going to miss you- you're the "glue" and we're all going to have to work extra hard to "keep it together" without you. But you are so right- 3 hours on I-10 is NOTHING and we will travel. So find the Starbucks, check out the Hopkins and we'll be there- SOON!
love and packing tape...

Liz Snowden said...

Crap, you made me cry. I am small enough to fit in a box, can I come? Mark your calendar, Lily and I are visiting in July and I don't want to see no stinkin boxes! Seriously, I'll miss you. Don't switch your cell company! And Kim's right, you are the glue, the organizer, the general, what are we going to do without you?

Jenn said...

CINDY HAS A BLOG?!?! I'm so excited! Just to keep it light and so I don't boo hoo into my Corn Flakes and have mascara running down my cheeks at work ... are you more Elmer's or Rubber Cement? More glue dot or glue stick?
Love you!

PS - do you really go to a shoe cobbler??

Unknown said...

wow, looks like you started blogging at a great time. there's nothing like the blogosphere to keep *old friends* close!!

i will be following your move. i know it will be crazy, but i hope you'll find time blog along the way.

best of luck!

jessica said...

As one of those who already had to say goodbye, have to ask: did I hide my tears well enough from you? Even though you know that I absolutely will travel, and even though I'm great at keeping touch with out-of-town friends, I'll miss you more than you know. You're great at many things, but you absolutely excel in the "being a good friend" department. See ya soon! Real soon.

Eleanor said...

Wow! You even made me cry reading that and you're not even leaving here!! Maybe I'm a little selfish but you now will be closer to me!(Only about 2.5hrs- even close enough for a day trip!!) I know you will miss everyone dearly but you never forget your best friends no matter how far away you are. You are a great friend, advisor, confidante (and of course, an awesome cuz)and will always remain a big part of everyone's life on a regular basis even if you aren't right around the corner (Although that would be nice!) I know first hand!!Good luck with the move and I will talk to you before next week...I love ya!!! El

Liz B said...

Cindy, it was so nice for me to see that you mentioned my website, MyFashionPlates.com as a site that you love. I'm so happy that enjoy the site. Best wishes on your move and in your new home.