Sad Goodbyes

A wonderful friend of ours wrote us a lovely goodbye note and included this quote from Margaret Mead.

"As the traveler who has once been from home is wiser than he who has never left his own doorstep, so a knowledge of one other culture should sharpen our ability to scrutinize more steadily, to appreciate more lovingly, our own."

Those inspiring words came at a perfect time, as the four of us have been saying goodbyes to friends and family. The pain of it is hard to explain. I think it is heightened by the realization that we are leaving the safety and love of our families, as well as the incredible support and enjoyment provided by our friends and neighbors. The friendships that have grown over the last nine years in Essex are nothing short of miraculous. There is something magical about the way our kids have cemented us in our community. There is also something wonderful about the community itself, where so many people give so much back through the school, the kids’ clubs, the town government and the wonderful charitable organizations that support us all. I have never felt so comfortable or so at home in a place as I have there.

Of course, we always knew Essex was special, but we began to take it for granted these past couple of years. I’m sure the same is true of our families. There is an adage that parting makes the heart grow fonder. Just the anticipation of absence has made us reflect and anticipate the loss. The decision to move to Germany has become less and less exciting, and more and more frightening as a result. If it is hard for us, I know it is even harder for those close to us. At least we have the adventure to look forward to, where they just feel a loss.

So now, finally, the adventure is beginning. Our challenge now is to look ahead, seize the opportunities to learn and grow, and share as much of our experiences as we can with our families and friends.