"Goodbye is a necessary life skill."- Beth Moore

Departures seem to be as consistent as the waves lapping and receding from the shore. Many of those whom have proved dear, necessary, and encouraging in this last season of my life are moving on.

There's Sam. If ever I felt suicidal or had a bad date or simply could not change my light bulb, I would call Sam. He would detail my face as if it were an old car because he couldn't stand to see the mascara running down my cheeks. He would let me talk, give me a perspective so not my own, and cheer me on. We would make that's what she said jokes as he refused to let me help him cook dinner. He even bought me a book entitled "How to pick up a man," from the eighties with a hand written inscription of, "Go get 'em, Tigeress!" He moved two weekends ago to Tillamook, and some how the neighborhood feels more empty without him here.

Yesterday, Abby gave me a hug at work, stating it was the last day she would see me in this context. I leave for Dublin on Saturday, a vacation I have worked a while for, and Abby has put in her two weeks notice. She's worked a while for her real estate broker license. (If you're in the market for a home in Newberg, I know someone...) Abby has been a rock for me at my job. She makes me laugh while giving me a dose of reality, something her and her sister Sasha share in common. Abby has a good deal of compassion and tenderness, something so rare in someone so hilarious. She's also the best friend date I have had in a while. Apparently I am still a musical enthusiast who adores the symphony. Abby gave me a deeper appreciation for it when we went a few months ago. I will miss the reassurance of her voice on the other end of the line saying, "Amy, it's your girl, Donna."

And then there is Sarah and Dan, who are in that stage of their life that inevitably follows graduation and deciding what is next. They are crafting a life for themselves together in Portland, which will lead to their eventual departure to that city. These two have been with me in my darkest times in Newberg, when I was a breath away from throwing it all away. They have laughed and cried with me, waited for me to come down from a PTSD episode, reasoned with me about faith, feminism, family, and finding Mr Right, and have opened their home to help me create meaningful relationships with other Friends. I would not have known how rich community could be without Sarah and Dan. They've been pillars to me.

And finally, my boys. Two men I adore left work as hosts to give themselves promotions at Lam. Ryan and Spencer have made me laugh at myself and kept me sane when work wasn't. The place is coming to its knees in a way without Spencer there. He would host, do catering, wash dishes, and take care of so many little things behind the scenes. When someone couldn't show up, it was Spencer whom they would call. If you ever get the chance, you would be an idiot not to hire him. He's also funny, quirky, and very human. This makes him relatable and a great friend. Ryan is a mixed bag. He's going to do the job fast, good enough, and have a laugh to boot. I miss his glares at work and him making me laugh at myself when I am overwhelmed with stress. Sometimes laughter solves problems nothing else can. I hope to see them again soon, my boys.

But even if I don't, these departures are bringing me closer to myself. These people have taught me that good people exist, that if I ever need help, all I have to do is ask, and that trusting others is not in vain. Maybe I am getting strong enough to depart myself and start out on a new adventure and phase of life. Whatever the case, I am taking Thor with me and keeping these people in my heart always. The door will always be open for friends near and far. Departures don't sever these ties, just makes these cords of love longer.

" May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand."-*Irish Blessing