Over the next several months I expect you’ll be
suffering from severe bouts of what you’ll call loneliness. I wish I could say
that the new endeavors filling your days in far-flung regions of the globe will
keep you busy enough that you’ll forget you’re halfway around the world from
the people and places which have previously comforted you. Alas, despite the rigorous
schedule pacing your waking hours there will inevitably be dark moments where
the clouds of doubt and distance engulf you. You will feel alone in the throngs
of strangers and new friends, and you will feel so far removed from the people
you love you’ll wonder if love even exists in your life any longer. But fear
not; we’re right here with you.
We, and I say we because I presume to speak for
all those who will miss your company, know the nature of our interactions and
relationships are changing, but they’re not ending. When people like us are
privileged enough to know and love someone like you we’d never allow you to be
a stranger. Things will be different, things will be hard. You’ll miss us, and
we’ll miss you. The sadness we feel not being able to reach out and touch each
other will be crushing, but the joy of our memories together will sustain us
until we can create new ones together. You’ll even make new friends, call new
people family, and say I love you to people you don’t even know yet. But we’re
still not going anywhere; we’re right here with you.
So keep this letter with you for the nights you
can’t stop the tears, the nights you’ve already cried all you can, and the
nights you just need a reminder you’re loved. We are proud of you for the challenges
you’ve taken on and the dreams you’re chasing. We all miss you, but we’re not
waiting on your return. We’re right here with you.
