XVI - Understanding

I wrote to Nancy last night.  I needed to explain a few things to her that I had already explained to you, my readers, and I felt she needed to know.

I told her about how lucky I feel to have known her, and shared the time with her that I did.  I told her about how much I learned from her about myself, and about the world in general.

I told her...

There was more, of course, but somethings, even for this blog, are too personal.  But the general point was that I understand why she had to leave, and I let her know that I'll always love her, and will always remember the good times.

And I will.

I'm still sad, of course.  I've lost my best friend.  What we had was amazing, beautiful, tumultuous, warm, and loving, and even if I would have known on day one that it would end this way, I'd still go along for the ride.  Life will bring us enough unhappiness and pain on its own; it's up to us to find the joy in life.  Nancy was my joy, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  I wish she didn't have to go, but I understand why.

I'll leave you with the words of (the wonderful) Morgan Freeman from The Shawshank Redemption:

I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up DOES rejoice. Still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss my friend.