Leave

This word prompt "leave" is a difficult word to write. My thoughts go back to times when I had to leave people I  desperately missed. My family comes to mind but also friends who changed me. I can remember the day we drove out of Provo. My friend Julie stayed to help put the last items in the moving van. I saw her tearful face in the rear window, standing on our lawn and my heart hurt. Never seeing her again was not real. I do see her still. The hurtful part was knowing a chapter of my life with her was over.

    We had growing experiences that are still useful and nurturing today. She helped bring about ideas and spiritual experiences rich and full. Some I have not experienced again. It happens that I call her sometimes to review how we did something back then. I inquire of her if my memory is accurate. She always concurs.
   A second thought brings me to the supper where Jesus closed his chapter of loving, tutoring, and expanding his disciples the apostles. Did his heart hurt? Did he look extra long into their faces? His famous last words were, "As I have loved you, love one another."

      Leaving is painful even when you will still have a relationship to rely on. Leaving means change and change is for sure.

I write on Fridays with a large group who inspire me. Only five minutes and without much thought to perfection. I write, prompted by one word that sends my thoughts to the keyboard and hopefully make sense.