3 replies to this topic

[Sharklover]

I am really, really, sad today about the news that my dearest in town friend is moving to Brussels after all. My Italian sister. She and her husband have been living separately for almost 2 years. He had to take a job there after not being able to find one in his field in the US and has been trying to find one back in the US ever since. He just found out today that he did not get the one which was their last hope of staying here. Their child is finishing middle school and it is time for the family to be together.

She is the one who washed my hair when I could not, made my meals when I could not, and loved me unconditionally during the worst time of my life. We share at least two evenings a week together, including this one. Her son calls me Auntie.

So all of you with good funny bones, let it rip with some good jokes. I could use a laugh or twenty.

[Sharklover]

Excellent wine and crazy good chocolate improved both of our outlooks immeasurably this evening. Though there were a few tears about the fact that neither of us would have survived the past 2 years without each other.

Probably didn't hurt that one of the chocolates had tequila in it.

[dive_sail_etc]

Gosh Leslie, that's a tough break. We understand the emotional bruising that comes with the parting of such a precious relationship. (Perhaps better said, not parted but stretched painfully across an entire ocean.) Your story reveals the compelling reasons that have drawn you both so close; I feel certain you will remain so. In fact, I suspect as the saying goes distance will make your hearts grow even fonder.

I hope you will think of us as your sort of amateur cyber support group as you adjust to things. We welcome you to post more if you think it would help, or just ride along with the quiet comfort of knowing we take our sense of community seriously.

(And yes, occasionally it may be necessary to break the glass and use the emergency tequila laced chocolate. Just remember it's better to down spiked chocolate with trusted friends than alone...)

Oh yeah, the Disclaimer: I am no spiritual counselor, I don't even play one on TV, and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. (Wonder if I could fly a helicopter if I did, though?...)

[Sharklover]

Thanks Brad. Neither my life nor my friends is now set up in a way that we will be able to see each other often, but we use Skype, and do have a short list of vacations we want to take together, Andalusia, Wales, Croatia, and so on. I may have to use some vacation time for non diving vacations!

No idea what I will do with myself on Friday nights now.

As luck would have it, just before she goes I get to take her on an all expense paid award trip to Grand Cayman, the Ritz, where we will get to indulge ourselves in living the high life for 5 days. I can't think of anyone more deserving!

Edited by Sharklover, 10 March 2012 - 09:43 PM.