#GottaloveMendo
Although I am excited to move on, to see new things, I will dearly miss the Mendocino Coast. It has helped shape the person I am so much, there is no way it could ever not be a part of me.
I learned to place complete trust in someone when I moved up here. Matt taught me that some people will never let you down.
Working for two and a half years at the local newspaper taught me so much about this rich community, I have seen and learned things that many people who have lived here all their lives haven't seen or done.
I had a wonderful editor, Connie, who taught me how to be ballsy, without being offensive. She taught me that no matter what, nothing can stand in the way of a good adventure. She inspires me in many ways, and I am so happy I got to know her so well.
My coworker, Tony, and one of my closest friends, taught me the difference between sympathy and empathy and showed me how to have compassion for people. His "do no harm" ethics are an amazing way to look at life. He inspires me everyday.
I have many other friends who helped create a home away from home and would ease the achy spot in my soul where the constant longing for home and family lingers. I will especially miss you, Liz. I cannot count the times that you stepped in and were more family to me than just a friend.
I learned that distance does nothing to tear the bond of true friends and family.
My fears and anxieties were challenged, and I learned how to call 60 degree days "warm weather"
I will dearly miss the Pacific Ocean. She is a formidable and beautiful ocean that I could stare at all day without becoming tired.
The humbling redwoods and the rocky pocket beaches will always be a treasure that I long to see again.
I will miss my wonderful, crazy (in a good way!) Audubon friends. Y'all gave me the much needed dose of animal talk that I was missing from my life back home in Texas. Animal people are a special breed of wacky, genuine human beings that I need to make my world whole. I will miss going on field trips with y'all very much.
Goodbyes are never easy. They are sad and put a huge pain on my heart. But, I am a better person for having known all of you, and I hope this goodbye is only temporary and we can see each other again someday, either when I return to visit, or when y'all pay me a visit in South Texas.
Know that I carry Mendocino, and all of you, with me, in my heart.
I'm missing you and happy for you from about halfway across the world. You are always that breath of fresh air one needs when a day gets just too tight around the brain or the heart. Your blog is a good place to keep us all in your sphere while you share your writing and photos with your Mendocino Coast family. All the best to you and Matt and all the adventures you'll have.
ReplyDeleteTeresa, my only regret during your stay is that I did not get to know you sooner so as to have more time spent walking, birding, surfing and hanging out with you, even though the reality was that our work lives put somewhat of a crimp on our schedules. The past months when you were "working at home" were fabulous in allowing us to hang out and become closer.
ReplyDeleteYou will forever have a place in our hearts. Tony values your friendship tremendously (I am amazed at how much you have in common), and you were as close to a big sister to Eden as you could be. Our family celebrations will not be the same without you and Matt, so we will have to make opportunities for future celebrations with you.
Know that we will always treasure the times we've had, and that we will always be here for you.