For those of you who do not know where Freiburg is, you need only but look at the neighboring map. I am sitting on my couch in my family room as I write this, instead of packing as I probably ought to be doing. But packing makes the surreal that much more concrete; it makes this trip feel like it really is around the corner.
Yesterday, I had family over to say both "happy birthday" and "bon voyage!" It was nice to see them all, though it was still strange to think the next time I'd see them would be in the colorful glow of christmas lights. And I went to East Lansing one last time as well, to see people there and say my final goodbyes. It was hurried, and not particularly emotional, but I guess thats the way I like a goodbye. Quick and painless. I still have a few goodbyes to give, some of the hardest are yet to come. I suppose its really not "goodbye" like it would have been ten years ago- not when I can Skype people all across the world, from my friend Audrey who will be starting Vet School in the UK, to Marilyn or my parents back in Portage.
But seeing the "virtual" me isn't the same as being with the real me, and I guess thats the hardest part about leaving. As people resume their lives in East Lansing or Kalamazoo, I'm starting a whole new life in a whole new country. This makes me feel a little alienated from my friends that will graduate without me by their side. I guess I always pictured a big graduation in the Breslin Center, with all my friends and family with me. Instead, they'll be there, and I'll be in Freiburg. Its not necessarily a bad thing, either. It's just strange, surreal. But hey, I'll sure have some stories for them when I get back. And I'll have some friendships with students from across the world, on top of the one's I have already made in Germany. I know that this will be a life-changing year for me, and I hope that you all will follow me on my journey as I change, and in many ways, grow up.
I'll leave those of you who are reading this, as well as myself, a quote that is meant to inspire:
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."
-St. Augustine
As different as it will be for David, it will be equally different for his mother and me. Our youngest is off to explore the great wide world as we are beginning to explore the world of retirement. It will be interesting to see the changes that are made by next summer.
ReplyDeleteHis mother will be happy to hear about the food! And my birthday was good, if rather quiet.
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