About a year ago, my dance studio was just wrapping up our spring production of The Glass Slipper (Cinderella). Everyone had spent the last five months with each other Monday through Friday during rehearsals. When you spend that much time with the same people, you're bound to be closer than close.
But I like to think that everyone at our dance studio has a special relationship with one another year round. There was this one family in particular, who connected with everyone in a very special way. They are the sweetest people, the most caring for one another, and have the most generous hearts. Because all three of their kids danced at our studio, they connected the barriers across the levels that had begun to form. This was a unifying experience for all of us.
So when their last show came around and they had to move out of state, we were all heartbroken. The Glass Slipper was their last show at our studio. We saw them every week and had a going away party for them. Everyone at our studio not only felt like we were loosing our best friends, but a crucial part of what our studio had become.
However, that's not the end of the story. It never really is. We learned so much from them, and we all knew that they would continue to bless people wherever they moved to. It also hasn't been the last time we have seen them. A group of us from our studio were able to visit them after they moved. We spent a few days with them and did all sorts of fun things while we were there. It wasn't just like old times, but it was a commitment to staying in touch. After that, we were all able to say that just because someone is far away, you'll never forget the memories you've shared and the love you have for one another.
What an amazing way to turn the story around! You changed the story to become more positive and happy and that's the best thing you could've done in this situation.
Life is so full of people that will come in and out of our lives its how we cherish their time and how they have impacted our lives that matter! I love when you said "that's not the end of the story. It never really is." Thank you for sharing!
Heidi, thanks for sharing your story. It's so hard when good friends move away. I still remember crying myself to sleep when my best friend from elementary school moved away. I even woke up in tears the next morning. It sounds like you've learned a lot from these friends about what it means to love and value the people in your life. I'm sure you are a great friend because of it. It's amazing that you have been able to release them so that they can bless other people. That kind of selfless behavior takes a lot of character!
My favorite part is "...that's not the end of the story. It never really is." Lots of teens like that just because something sad happened, such as a friend moving away, it's the end of the world. Which is not true at all. There is always still more that life has to offer for you. Thanks for sharing.
What a beautiful piece Heidi. I love how you framed the story :)