As I return , and transition back into life , I can finally tend to the news I got yesterday as we were exploring the Grand Canyon,
When i look back at my move from Maine to Colorado 6 years ago there are things that stand out. It was HARD to leave Maine. my heart is still there in many ways. It was amazing to come here and get my student loans paid off . It was great to be in Colorado again after being away for 20 years.
One of the most amazing things for Kelly and I was reconnecting with Cathy and Toby. We met when we were kitty corner neighbors in Lyons, Colorado . We were having our babies. We shared stories and drinks and projects and recipes and Gardening! Our babies played together. It was a friendship that mattered .
We then left so i could go back east for medical school . We kind of lost touch but Cathy was so great about Christmas cards. It was a thread of connection. It happens that I got an offer for a job in Grand Junction that would pay off all of my student loans and would bring us back to Cathy and Toby who now live on the western slope and are peach farmers amongst many other things.
We have now been here for 6 years. Cathy and Toby have been our best friends. We share food and gardening and travel and drinks and friendship and real conversation. The ones that are hard to have sometimes. We have spent many amazing moments together loving life.
While we were in the Grand Canyon yesterday, with limited service we received word that our dear friend Toby left us.
Because of our many conversations, I know that he is free and dancing with the angels. My dear friend is left to pick up the pieces. These moments are so profound. They leave you speechless. I am not sure what else to say but we will somehow figure out how to carry on without Toby.
There is a serious absence in my life at this moment..... a void. what will replace it?