OT/Xpost: It's gotta be that kind of day. I need help...

I'm having a rough go of it today and I really could use some help.  Overall, I'm just tired, cranky and bitter because it's Monday and I hate my job. But more than that, I have to say goodbye to a new friend tomorrow and I HATE goodbyes.  I feel like I am always having to say goodbye to the people I love most.  My new friend's name is Daniel and he is from South Africa, but visiting the US because of a work project.  I've gotten to know him over the past two months because he is staying at the hotel where I work part-time.  In such a short time, we have become great friends and have spent some really nice time together outside of the hotel.  He has impacted my life in ways I never anticipated... and now I have to say goodbye because his project is done and he is flying home very early Wednesday morning. Why does this happen?  Why do I have amazing people come into my life only to leave again a short while later?  Just a few weeks ago, a VERY dear friend came to visit me all the way from France.  I hadn't seen him in five years.  But again, we had to say goodbye. It kills me! I just hate goodbyes and thinking of going thru another has me all upside down.  I'm weepy, cranky, angry and so very sad.  Yes, I know I can visit some day and that we can stay in touch through email.  But it's so rare to make such beautiful friendships!  I want to keep these people close to me, not thousands of miles apart.  I MISS them and wish they could be right by my side forever. Just hate it.  I HATE goodbyes and now, all I want to do is stomp around, cry and eat lots of crap. Heather

Hi Heather, I am sorry you are having such a crappy day.  I wish I could help but I can only say that I can relate.  I have spent a lot of time living in different cities and countries and my closest friends are scattered all over the world too.  The visits are too few and far between and the goodbyes are so hard.  But we are at least fortunate to have people like that in our lives at some level, even if they are not always local.  Keep your chin up and focus on the great experiences you have had with this friend and be grateful for that.  And hang in there. :)

Thanks, sweetie.  It just helps being able to talk about this with you guys.  I'm trying not to eat my way through this, which is how I used to deal with a sad heart.  Sounds like you totally get why this is such a tough mixed blessing.  When I think of all the friends I'm connected to around the world, I feel richly blessed and like I have the extra special dynamic to my life... it's not just pb&j on white bread, ya know?  And how wonderful to travel and grow and be stretched! But I still miss them. Heather

Yeah, I know how you feel. I made some great friends in Poland and Ireland last month, and now will unlikely ever spend time with them again. I'll always have the pictures and the memories though...

Why never again?  You should keep those contacts going!!  It took 5 years to see my French friend again, but man it was a sweet reunion!  In some ways, our international buddies can be the most significant people to touch our lives...  so don't let that go!

I'm sorry about all the goodbyes .  You have some good new memories though right?  You should make sure to take some pictures together before Wednesday, and after that plan trips.  Just knowing that there is a pretty definate time when you'll be with your friends again might make the separation better.  I hope you and your friend are able to enjoy the time you have left together.

I figured you'd understand my overwhelming need to eat cookies today!   But, instead, I'm nibbling a protein bar.  Thank the LORD for protein bars when a sugar craving hits!  I have some excellent memories, yes, but no pics with Daniel.  What's so hard about saying goodbye is that he was here for just a flash of time and yet significantly touched my life.  Who wants to let go of that, ya know?  He's working super late to finish up his project before he flies home tomorrow.  Phooey.  But yes, I am definitely looking forward to a trip to South Africa!  How cool 'cause I never really thought about going there before.  But now, wow!   Heather