Magnus and I have spent the last few weeks preparing for our six-month stay in Northern Virginia. Once we arrive, we will enjoy the urban lifestyle, expand our business prospects, and determine whether this will become our future home base.
The minutiae of an extended move can be daunting. Suspending newspaper deliveries. Club memberships.Hot tub maintenance. Yard care. The list goes on.
Nobody prepared me for the most challenging suspension: my local friendships.
I attended or hosted seven-holiday parties and fundraisers in twelve days. Quite the record for me! I didn’t want to miss a moment with my friends. In addition, Diana and Kathryn dropped by and helped me pack up the kitchenware and office goods. Angela flew from her Seattle home just to help me safely transport our three cats to the East Coast. Cora and Steve dropped by with their precocious German shorthair pointer, Tache. They said their goodbyes to Magnus on the eve of his 3,000-mile road trip. Tom hosted the monthly wine tasting and a casual sendoff at our private club, the Loft.
Just when I thought I had safely glided through the final social event, the unofficial “mayor” of the Loft—Jim Murray—asked each person to share their goodbyes with me. As we poured our final glass of Pinot Noir, the tears came.
Jim Murray, the “mayor” of the Loft. Age 85 going on…?
To top it off (no pun intended), I have friends back East who call me regularly to tell me how much fun they have planned when we arrive in Alexandria. Our first formal party invitation happens the day after we land.
This special season affords me the gift of reflection and gratitude. I am surrounded by the gift of community. What will our lives look like in six months? We just don’t know. We are certain of one thing: it will be exciting and adventurous. And the forty-eight years it took to create these memories and support crews was worth it.
Life promises us change, discomfort, and ambiguity. While political turmoil, economic volatility, and extreme weather conditions swirl around me, one thing stays constant: our community. I am just savoring sublime suspense.
May your holidays bring you together with those you love. Savor them!
Copyright 2010, Lisa Nirell. All rights reserved.
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