We moved to Illinois when I was 25 years old and lived there for 35 years. We started our move back to Hawaii in 2006. Therefore I've actually lived about half my life in Hawaii and half in Illinois. My heart is pretty much evenly divided.
Some of the happiest times of my life were with the teachers who became the best of lifelong friends. They supported me throughout my teaching career and beyond. I can't remember when it got organized but a bunch of us started going out to lunch once a month. Whenever we returned to Illinois to visit our daughter, the group got together so we could catch up on our lives.
And yes, of course I was very, very touched... and so very sad to leave.
The group continued meeting through the years but had to stop when COVID hit. We do however keep almost daily contact through a group text chat-line.
When it seemed almost safe, they opted to meet again at an open air restaurant a month ago. I was so happy they could, but sad I couldn't join them.
What a surprise!
The "girlfriends" had sent me a card with little messages from all of them, except one dear friend who sadly hasn't gotten vaccinated and chose to not expose them to possible infection.
They included a VACCINATED pin saying that whenever we put it on, we could think about each other with wishes for our safety and good health. 💖
It touched me more than you can know.
That is such a happy looking group.
ReplyDeleteThat is so sweet. How nice that you were there in the hearts of your friends.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great group of friends!
ReplyDeleteThat's a nice looking group, and wow--they took the time to pass a card amongst themselves to send to you, sounds like you have a pretty special teacher's family there Kay :^)
ReplyDeletehow sweet and good you can still keep in touch over the miles through technology!
ReplyDeleteHow very sweet! I am glad to know you still are cherished by friends far away in distance but not in their hearts.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful friends you have!
ReplyDeleteSo touching.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine how hard it would be to leave behind a life of 35 years and move halfway around the globe. But at least you chose a place with great weather almost all year round.
ReplyDeletethat was very sweet!
ReplyDeleteThe bond must have been strong to have lasted so many years. Of course technology helped. What a sweet surprise though and I love the idea of "vaccinated" pins. Would be helpful if they were mandatory but would probably cause too much confrontation.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you not doing a ZOOM meeting.
ReplyDeleteWe’ve done that too.
DeleteSo special - appreciating and being part of like minded good people.
ReplyDeleteThat was a very sweet gesture
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful and an incredibly sweet and thoughtful gift.
ReplyDeleteYes, that would e touching. Our staff did a lot of noon lunches but not an exclusive group. Six of us still meet once a year.
ReplyDeleteAs you know we still have weekly contact with some of Tom's dear teacher friends, and I am organizing a get together at the end of the month for staff from my school. I hope it will happen, but everything has to be tentative these days.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you that your old friends reached out to you.
What a wonderful group and tradition! I love my teacher friends and miss getting together with them. Although most live (and work) in my immediate vicinity, Covid has made the gatherings tricky. Love the pin!
ReplyDeleteThat is a good surprise.
ReplyDelete