Moving on
It hasn’t been easy. I had hoped that I made you better and you didn’t want to lose me. Even more, you made my life so big that I was certain I couldn’t live without you. Maybe that’s why I hung in there for so long, even as our friends told me over and over again to just walk away and stay away. I guess I needed to hear it from you.
But you wouldn’t say it. You kept calling me back in that love-you-but-not-really-but-yeah-I-kinda-do way you have that speaks to my inner dysfunction.
My god, the highest highs and lowest lows we shared! The memories. So many incredible memories. But you can’t live in memories. You live with them. You don’t leave them behind. I have to keep telling myself that.
Now I see that you’ve made some really big, life-altering new choices, choices I cautioned you against, even when you didn’t want to hear it. But you made them anyway. I guess that’s your prerogative. You used to care what I thought. And then I learned you and your new friends were talking smack about me. I guess that’s another sign.
I can’t help you this time. I know, I know, you don’t want my help. And this time I’m finally through trying. I certainly don’t wish you harm, but you have to find your own way. And I have to find mine.
So I guess this is it. Time to say good-bye. We’ll always love each other – well, I’ll always love you – but from a distance now. So, keep in touch… if you feel like it. Be safe. Be kind. Be smart. Be your beautiful, quirky self.
You were once my home, and I adored you. But I’m moving on.
#1 by Shari on June 30, 2012 - 9:12 am
Since you already are, you can practice: be.here.now.
#2 by Colleen on June 30, 2012 - 9:24 am
Moving day is tomorrow and I can’t stop crying–but after reading your post, figurative or not, I will endeavor to keep my eyes forward, not backward.
#3 by Jackie Cole on June 30, 2012 - 9:37 am
Only half made the choices you cautioned against, not all. And life may make those choices untenable.
The quirky ways are one of the reasons we love Galveston and only time will tell if this pendulum swing is too far for our beloved.
And remember, in the long run, mother nature will take her back and none of it will matter except our legacy of kindness to each other or not.
#4 by Alice Melott on June 30, 2012 - 9:39 am
Amen, Jackie. ;c)
#5 by Ben on June 30, 2012 - 10:00 am
Wow. So powerfully true. I am having some of these feelings. I cant believe galveston went bad on its politics. Unfortunately, there will now be a punishment for the choices galveston has made.
#6 by Alice Melott on June 30, 2012 - 10:42 am
I’m afraid you’re right. It’s a tragic sideshow. And a wake-up call to everybody who was laying low. Boggles the mind that folks would think they could just defy the Federal gov’t.
#7 by Alex on June 30, 2012 - 10:39 am
Well, life changes. I am so happy for you!
#8 by Joe Stemmer on June 30, 2012 - 10:41 am
It’s alway good to remember that your life is in front of you , not behind. Some of us learn from the past, and use that knowledge as we move forward. Some don’t.
I’m happy you’re moving forward.
#9 by Alice Melott on June 30, 2012 - 10:45 am
I’ve been moving forward at the speed of light, but dragging pieces of the island along with me. Watch me fly now! ;c)
#10 by Jim on June 30, 2012 - 10:44 am
Nice piece. Keep em comng.
#11 by Joe Stemmer on June 30, 2012 - 10:49 am
Yes, you have. You’ll blaze the road now, getting rid of the “dead weight”.
#12 by Kim Mytelka on June 30, 2012 - 11:48 am
Beautifully written! Don’t let Galveston weigh you down.
#13 by Alice Melott on June 30, 2012 - 11:50 am
Never (again)! ;c)
#14 by Amanda on June 30, 2012 - 1:32 pm
All of the blood, sweat and tears that you gave that relationship shows your true love for that crazy little island. You knew what it once was and what it could become and I believe it loved you for it….contrary to what others say. I also know that when or if you ever decide to return…that island will welcome you back with open arms and possibly realize what a treasure it lost when you moved away. The others will have picked new targets to focus their anger on and ultimately the island will reject the anger and mean spirited behavior. It is quite a dysfunctional relationship and you need to do this for your own well-being. I wish you all the happiness in the world and know that you and your love for Galveston has been appreciated and has been an inspiration to many.
#15 by Alice Melott on June 30, 2012 - 1:34 pm
Thank you, Amanda. ;c)
#16 by Alex on June 30, 2012 - 2:07 pm
Galveston is one of the few places on Earth that bring us to a unique combination of natural beauty and historical charm. No doubt humans have lived on the island for thousands of years which gives it soul. It must difficult to leave such an intoxicating place. Too bad some want to plunder her richness they feel is their due. Exceptionalism should be a crime.