My whole life, for whatever reason, I have been open to what happens next. Ready to move on to the next thing. But some years ago I began to think that this was a failing—a running away from what was right there; not dealing with life as it was just then. I ended up swinging to the other end of the pendulum: staying in one place, with one person, to the detriment of us both; relentless perseverance. And, now, with this opportunity to move across the west—to learn and live and connect with so many people, places, issues and communities—I have been so focused on beginning this next part of my life that I have not let it sink in how I am breaking bonds with a community that has been such a large part of my life for so many years. Last night it hit me.
Friends had gathered to help send me off on this next adventure; some of the longest friendships and closest friends, colleagues I’ve worked with on some of the most pressing issues in the community, people that have shared my life here in Jackson through thick and thin. At one point, as someone was leaving and telling me goodbye, I realized that I was actually leaving this community, a community in the strongest sense of the word.
I find myself at a loss for words to express the gratitude and love I have for these friends—thank you . . . for everything.