Isn’t it interesting that we as parents view the school calendar as the beginning and end of a year, rather than the actual calendar year? Everything regarding children revolves around the school year. It’s also when we as expats tend to get reassigned.
I hate this time of year. You have to let go of dear friends, and watch them embark on their new adventure. Whether that adventure takes them to another foreign land or if it’s back to home sweet home…It is bitter sweet. I’m going to bid ado to many friends in the next couple of months…some are very close and some are mere acquaintances. But, no matter what I will miss them. They have become part of my life here in Brussels, and I will sad to see their smiling faces go.
It’s not just me who is losing friends, it is also my children. One of my eldest daughter’s friends will be moving on to Canada this summer. I explained to her why he was moving, and showed her the city on the globe in her room. She just looked up at me with tears in her eyes, and said…”Mommy, I don’t want him to move. It’s so far away. I love him.” My heart just melted for her. I know how hard it is for me to say good-bye to my friends; I can only imagine how hard it is for her to say good-bye to someone she’s known for so long…two years is a long time for a five year old.
My dog is even losing friends. And, that’s just totally not fair. I know he’s going to try dragging me down his friend’s street day after day, only to be disappointed by not seeing a wagging tail behind the fence. What do you say to a dog? I guess I’ll just give him extra bones.
Luckily, I am only saying good-bye to one of my best friends this year. She and her family have made my time in Brussels, not only tolerable, but enjoyable. I will miss our summertime champagne play dates and dog walks in the forest the most. I hate that I won’t be able to barge in on her for a morning coffee or an afternoon chat. But, I am excited for them, as they are very excited to be relocated. The USA should feel very lucky to host them.
I have no worries that I won’t ever see or hear from her again. She’s one of those friends that are like a piece of toilet paper stuck to your shoe…no matter how hard you shake your leg, it won’t come off. I can’t wait to hear about all of her “a-ha” moments and all the fun adventures in shopping she will have. I hope she finds her niche there, and enjoys it as much as I hope she will.
Each year is a new chapter in your life, right? This one is now written. Some characters will continue on into future chapters, some will disappear into the pages, and some will be introduced. I say good-bye to some, see you later to others, and hello to the new ones…there’s more writing to be done.
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