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Friends
Most of my adult life has been spent away from my immediate family - my siblings tend to be scattered by geographic and personal difference. This has led me to rely on friends that I have developed in whatever location I have happened to find myself, for companionship, mentoring and, at times, for rescue. In places disparate as Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, and more recently Northern NSW. Over the years I have developed friendships based upon mutual interests. Many of these friends have remained close. Some have faded into the background only to resurface when opportunity arises. Others have moved into my life and passed naturally out again as circumstances dictate.
Often friendship networks are taken for granted. We don't necessarily think "I wonder what would happen if that person wasn't in my life?", and nor should we. It is enough to enjoy their presence.
The last week or so has been personally instructive as I have prepared to depart Australia. I have enjoyed many "farewell" meals with friends and discussed what it means to uproot oneself and travel 150 degrees around the world, along with canvassing mechanisms available to allow us to remain in touch. I have been surprised by friends who I have known for years butt haven't spent much time with recently, and yet who have taken the time to seek out an opportunity to "break bread". I have been humbled by the concern of some who have offered material support prior to my departure or in the event of a future emergency. Mostly I have been gladdened by the reality that my life is rich in companionship and love.
It is usually only in circumstances of imminent departure that we have the opportunity to review our networks of love and care. Too often that opportunity is an end-of-life necessity foisted upon us by fate. I have the privilege to experience this as a result of my own desire for an adventure that happens to create a separation from those I love for an indefinite period of time.
If you are a friend who happens to be reading this, I would like to thank you for being in my life. I look forward to many years of friendship, whether in close proximity or from afar.
2 comments:
hi dave. see whether this one loads….
yes you have jumped into the abyss. it takes a lot to do it at any age. however that should never be a road block. from an old fart who did the same 11 months ago, therefore a little experience of what you are doing, i can only say you will enjoy almost all of it.
obviously there will be down times - but everyone gets those anywhere. i was told once that no matter what the circumstances, feel your emotions and from it, enjoy the journey. that is what i have done with my time here. i am sure you will do the same.
i think everybody will be keenly waiting for your updates. who knows, you might get a bald headed former tenant knock on your door - there is a job going at loughborough uni that is close to suitable for him….
keep in touch
jimbo
I'll be waiting for you in Lima - Perú my friend or probably seek you around in the world. More than a friend you've been a mentor for me. Wish you the best.
Big hugh. Gianfranco
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