There and Back Again

Pondering: Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods. (Aristotle)

This afternoon was a bittersweet moment for me. My dearest friend, companion and office ally officially retired today and I am both happy and sad. Sad because things can never be the same without dear Miriam greeting me early in the morning at work. I am sad because I didn’t get a chance to spend as much time with her as I wanted to. We had several lunch plans that never materialized - all my fault of course. But through it all, she was my #1 supporter. One who always understood what I was going through without even talking about it.

Yet, I am happy because she was happy and because she can finally enjoy the next chapter of her life, and spend many lazy days doing absolutely nothing and being with her family. I know that was what she looked forward to the most, spending time with the children and the beautiful grandchildren.

Today was her last day and she went out in style. Her daughter picked her up at work, because Miriam can’t be carpooling on her last Thursday at work! Unbeknownst to her - and to us - her daughter arranged for a white stretch limousine to pick them up. As we escorted her out with all the flowers she received in our arms and the balloons blowing in the cold, cold wind, we saw her entire family waiting by the limo for their Lala. I got so choked up because it was such a beautiful scene for such a beautiful woman. The thought still gets me all choked up, especially when I remember how happy Miriam looked.

I will miss her terribly and the next few days will be weird but I know this chapter of her life is what she wanted and needed the most. ¡Todo el la mejor, mi Miriam querido! Con amor.