it just seems fitting title as i sit here in the airport waiting to fly back east. to start the next chapter on my life, to close a very long and recent chapter of my life. it is harder than i thought it would be to leave. i have felt moisture build up in the corner of my eyes several times today. i am glad for that. it means that the last 10+ years have been about something, been for something, been special. to often, we gloss over the people we meet, the friends we make, the adventures we make, the successes we have, the failures that help to redefine and ultimately improve us. ( i am sure there is an english teacher, completely appalled by the lack of proper grammar and spelling).
well, sometimes this is how i communicate. i put a rant together and let the words flow.
i was truly blessed, honored, and most of all humbled by the sheer number of people that came to my farewell party. it is more important to be defined by the people you know and the quality of those relationships. i always tended to focus on the quality but was completely amazed by the quantity. you all make me a better person for knowing you. i was truly the lucky one to know so many of you. i could sit and say that i wish we had done more, but that takes away from the power of each of the interactions that i had with you. yes, more would have been nice but i say make the most out of every single interaction/ relationship you have. tell them how special they are, how important they, or just how much you enjoy them buying your drinks. :)
looking back on my start here in portland, i see that i am a better man. i have learned humility. i have loved. i have been broken-hearted. i have been fired. i have hit rock bottom. but, i grew from all of the that with the help of old friends, newer friends, and myself. but, the friends clearly were the most important.
why am i leaving? well, to put it simply, i need a fresh start. i need to not look over "my shoulder" but rather keeping looking forward for the next growth opportunity. looking back will only make me dwell for something or someone who is past. i will move forward. just as much about moving forward, is the fact that i will be closer to my family. my grandmother passing was an important learning event and hammered home the importance of my family. but, unfortunately i will miss my portland family. ;)
so, this is all wonderful, you say. so, i will just ask that you make sure to find the time to see the friends you care about. don't think that you can see them "next time". if it matters, make the effort.
talk care of yourselves, my friends.
-TF
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