Letter to the Editor: They’re leaving me
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In the last few months I've had two good friends pass away about two weeks apart. I tried not to cry much because I knew they were both moving on to that beautiful place promised by God. One card-making, game-playing friend moved to Georgia to be closer to her grandchildren. Then today a friend, who I've known since I was 10 years old, signed papers to sell her house in southern WV and left for her new home in Florida. She, also, will be closer to her son's family and those grandchildren. I understand wanting to be with them. Heaven knows how much I love being with my own grandchildren who live close by. I think up reasons for them to come over to spend time with me, together and individually.
To get back to my point, this friend said she would come spend another day with me before she moved. With all the packing and glitches with the moving company, etc. she ended up too busy to waste a day with me. When we got together we didn't need to do anything special, just hang out. We both felt so comfortable with each other that being together was enough. I was happy that her ordeal with selling her house was over and she was able to get the house she had seen before and wanted in Florida. But when I got off the phone with her it hit me, she's gone. Sure, we will still talk on the phone but no more so glad to see you hugs, no more in person smiles, no more tasting something I like to fix and knowing she wants the recipe. I started to cry. Except for friends dying, I haven't cried over much of anything for quite a while; not even about my health and feeling I only have a short time left, myself.
I realize how selfish wanting her to stay in WV really was. She deserves time to enjoy life, not always be stressed out about all the trouble she has been through in the last 3 or 4 years. Yes, I will miss those days of relaxing together. I'll miss her being at the table if I ever am able to have another group of ladies at my home for lunch. At least she was able to come last time.
Do you have a best friend or best friends who you love to be with? Are they close enough to do things with or are they far away? I have accumulated so many friends over the years that are so special to me; I'd really hate to try to pick only one best friend. Friends who aren't here any more will always be close to my heart. Like I tell other people, suck it up and don't feel sorry for yourself. I need to be happy for my friends who will enjoy where they have moved to. I have a lot of good memories of time with them. Besides that, it doesn't cost per minute of long distance like it used to. I can talk to the ones who moved south an hour at a time and not cost a dime. Cherish time with others. I've said it before and am saying it again, "We're not promised tomorrow" for whatever reason, so make the most of today.
Bye for now,
Bonita (Bonnie) Eaton
Vienna