Sunset on the Baltic.
I’ve got a heavy feeling today that I just can’t shake. Dear friends are moving back to the US and the movers are packing up the last of their home this morning. It’s such a pleasure to have known them. But so hard to say goodbye.
I’ve known MB and Rich since I moved here almost seven years ago. They’re the kind of people who are always up for a good time, always ready to try something new, as keen to go for a bike ride as to a fancy embassy party. And while there’s no doubt that they’re fun, they are also genuinely kind people, the first to bring over a lasagna if someone has died, to bring you American cold pills if you’re ill or a bottle of wine if you’ve had a tough day.
When you live internationally – without your family and long-term friends – the people in your new life become very important, your substitute family of sorts. So I feel lucky to have found such a wonderful second family. The going-away party is this weekend, but MB and Rich will still be in town for a few more weeks as they wrap up the details of their lives here. While I will miss them something fierce, I know it’s time for them to go back home to their families. And I know that we will keep in touch and meet again in other parts of the world.
Hanging on the boat with MB and Rich.
{ 6 comments }
Sandra, you put it so eloquently.
My heart is heavy too and the thought of their leaving brings tears to my eyes.
The saving grace is knowing that they are headed in a direction they have chosen and that we, as you wrote, can meet again in other places.
The have certainly brightened our lives!
Yeah, that´s my happy friends in the picture and behind the camera. All the best and many lucky times for MB and Rich.
Sandra, you did say it so well.. I was only in Stockholm a short time in comparison to you, but MB and Rich were great friends to Paul and me also. It will be nice to have them in the US, although for me it’s about as far away as you can get from us in the states. Have a wonderful party this weekend and remember all the fun times.
Sandra,
Your story was so moving. MB and I are so gratefull for having you and Robert as our friends. Our friendship shall never come to a close, it will grow with time. We thank you from the bottom of our heart for your beautiful and caring words.
Love to you and Robert.
Sincerely,
Rich & MB
Such a nice post Sandra but it’s finally our turn to have my dad and MB here in the States. It’s pretty hard not to like “the Louds” huh!?
It was so nice meeting you and Robert and always know you are both very welcome where ever we may be. At the moment, living near the beach about an hour from NYC.
All the best,
Rich and Misty
Sandra,
What beautiful words and pictures to match. Selfishly, I am looking forward to having them home and a “jet lag free” trip away. It was so wonderful meeting you and Robert and I hope to see you both again. Jackson thoroughly enjoyed his time with Robert….to meet and ask questions of a real, live scientist. He thought that was pretty cool. I wish you luck in your travels and hope to cross paths again.
Warm Regards,
Sheena
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