Saying Good Bye

Today, I had a lunch date with a woman friend who I will probably never see again. (Yes, my wife knew all about it and was invited to the lunch, but couldn't come because of work.) Aimee was our across-the-street neighbor when we moved to where we are now. She, along with her hubby and young daughter, became friends of ours over the years.

A few years ago, they moved to another location. We maintained a connection via social media, however. Some months ago, she contacted me, saying that she had been thrown out of their house by her husband, who had developed a relationship with another woman, and had been living in her car for several days. We immediately invited her to join us at our place. She had no clue the ouster was coming, and needed time to gather herself.

She stayed with us for only a few days, finding a place to stay and other friends that would help her. She has been in survival mode for quite some time. But we've maintained contact through all of this, and have served as an “ear” for her from time to time.

Recently, she found out about work that she could do (she has a disability) in Ohio at a women's fraternity. (Yeah, I didn't know women had fraternities either.) She interviewed, and was given the job. The work fits her perfectly and will be a good thing for her. She also will be able to get out of this area, which has so many reminders of a life no longer viable. She will be leaving for Ohio this coming Wednesday, so I asked if she could have lunch one last time before she left.

I admire how she has crawled out of the hole dug for her and has determined to make her own way in the world. Her daughter, now in Iowa, originally siding with her father, has recently begun to repair the relationship with her mom. The divorce is final, so that's over. She has no reason to stay here or come back here.

I don't know about you, but these kinds of meetings and good-byes are difficult for me. Knowing I will probably never see her again, even though we are obviously “just friends,” makes it doubly difficult. Social media will relieve some of that, but it is not an adequate substitute.

Life sometimes hands us situations, circumstances, and conditions that we are not prepared for, not expecting, and haven't a clue how to handle. Such was the case here when we learned she was homeless. We knew we would be riding this one out with her, along with other friends of hers. And we did. Hopefully, we were helpful to her along the way.

Aimee, we wish you many blessings as you start life anew yet again. And if you happen to be traveling in Kansas close by, let us know. We'd love to see you and catch up with you.