a difficult good-bye

I just graduated today with my Masters in Chinese Studies. Obviously it was a joyous occasion to finally exit the classroom for good (minus one paper and one exam). It felt great to walk across the stage, take my diploma (cover) and smile with pride over my accomplishments. The last 5 years in my education have been the most difficult in my life and I'm relieved that that portion of my life has come to a close.

The thing I'm most excited for is to be able to direct my attention toward more significant things. A list is beginning to unfold with items such as reading meaningful books, engaging in deeper relationships, doing personal reflection, journaling, practicing and performing music, and travel.

But today, as I enjoyed the celebration with some of my best friends in NWI, I also lost something that is very dear to me. In the process of completing my degree and moving to Seattle, I will be losing contact with some very special people. I didn't say that I would be losing my friends; no, they'll still be my friends, but I'll lose the human connection of seeing these people face-to-face in daily life. That is just gut wrenching because of the sheer love that these people have given me. They have fed me when I was hungry. They've been near my when I was lonely. They've shared what they have with me. They have opened up their homes to me. They've given to me when I had nothing. They accepted me. These people are great people, not perfect people, but just people who were willing to live life full.

I'm extremely tired, and am retiring for the night.