As this may be my last entry for this year, I decided to write how an incident that happened ten years ago relates to one in the present. Yikes, ten years.
Read on...
I met Bernie when I was in my freshmen year in college. He was the department chairperson at the time. He was the 'chief adviser' of the organization I joined. I had the opportunity of leading one of the sub-teams, where he mentored me. During the three years of my education, the majority of the useful information I learned--learned from him. We also became friends.
When I graduated in December 1995, my friends and I learned that he was leaving the school. Well, not only that. He was leaving the country. We were all happy for him, but sad that he was leaving. However, we stayed in touch through letters and email.
Approximately three years and three months went by pretty fast. My husband and I decided to go on a vacation. Coincidentally, Bernie lived ten minutes away from where we stayed at the time. We met with him a few times. But when we decided to stay, we lost contact with him. I'm not in the position to say why...but I have to admit that I am glad that the reason is no longer a part of his life.
Almost a year passed when we finally tracked him down. Since then, we've become good friends. "Good friends" is probably an understatement. He has been my mentor, teacher, and conscience. Aside from my husband, he’s been the best friend I've ever had.
A couple of months ago, he mentioned the idea of moving out of state because of a possible job opportunity. I was slightly alarmed but tried to set the thought aside. He said that 'it was just a possibility'. Nothing was set on stone. However, I missed to realize that this 'possibility' had two sides.
I was driving down the freeway a few days before the Christmas weekend when I called him. He was working from home. He then told me the news. It took a few seconds to sink in. All I could say (or scream) was "Haaahhh???" Fifty percent of the conversation was composed by my "Haaahhh???"s and "Noooo's". Needless to say, he accepted the offer out of state.
Don't take this the wrong way. I am truly happy for him. He deserves this opportunity. I am just going to miss him. Really miss him. I’m sure we'll stay in touch. He did promise to visit as often as he could.
On a lighter note, I just remembered something. I know I've teased him several times regarding an incident that also happened when I was in college. I know that I shouldn't make jokes about it since it isn't true, and some people might think it is. Yes, it was just a JOKE. I know that you didn't -- and do not -- give out mixed signals. Thought I'd set the record straight. It was just a JOKE.
I do wish that your leaving was just a joke as well. But, hey, it's alright if it isn't. I'm still really happy for you.
Rambling Gypsy