One of my closest friends in Birmingham, on one of our very last days there, made what seemed in the moment to be a most peculiar comment to me. “It’s important when you leave a place and its people to have some distance for a while. Feel the loss. Then you can figure out how to go forward and what your new relationship looks like.”
Knowing this friend well, and her propensity for quiet wisdom, I reflected on this a great deal. As life worked out, several of my friends were in very busy seasons anyway, so it made sense to not be in contact. It has been difficult, though, and more than a little lonely. Honestly, it’s also probably impacted my Memphis interactions too as I am so craving conversations with women I get a little overeager.
In spite of the difficulties, I think it’s been a really good exercise for the month and that I’m starting to see individual people and the ways I hope our friendships will continue more clearly. It will likely continue to unfold through the next few months. Birmingham is temptingly close to Memphis, and there have been days I wanted to throw the kids in the car and just drive. Get a hug. Cuddle a new baby. Sit for a while. Those things will happen (and probably sooner than later) but it’s also felt right to feel the loss for a little while.
kristen- thinking about you lots. hang in there. sounds like someone gave you good advice.