Time to start explaining a bit about my latest post.
But first, let me introduce you to LaJuana.
LaJuana was one of the first people I met when I began attending Woodmont Hills, and for some reason we immediately clicked. She was the wife of our worship minister, and helped teach a women's class that I attended for awhile before I began volunteering in our youth group.
I didn't tell LaJuana I had an eating disorder...she figured it out and just asked me point-blank one day. Besides being shocked (I was REALLY good at hiding it), I was also relieved.
LaJuana was instrumental in my recovery, meeting with me to specifically talk about what was going on, literally pulling a support team around me (which I've written a little more about here), and assuring me that I am loved no matter what. Don't get me wrong--it was a HARD time, and I'm pretty positive I wasn't easy to be around during those years...but somehow she loved me through it.
And through all that we managed to live life as friends. And since recovery we've gotten even closer. Pedicures, lunches/dinners out, celebrating birthdays (her and I are 2 days apart and her husband is a week before mine), walks at Radnor, decorating her house and mine for Christmas, the tradition of Baja Burrito before church every Wednesday...
And when all our small group stuff went down (an affair between 2 members of the group as well as a LOT of other sexual addiction stuff that was discovered)...she understood why I, as the single person in the group, was affected so deeply. She was able to name it: "your dream of the future has been affected."
I swore off relationships.
And about a year and a half ago, she asked me to come over for lunch. While I was there she showed me a beautiful antique punch bowl and cups set that she had found on a New England vacation. When I told her they were perfect she said "good. because we'll be using them at your bridal luncheon."
I hadn't even realized that things in me were shifting and I was longing for romance, for relationship. It's funny...she often knows what I'm feeling before I can name it.
I found out two weeks ago that they are moving.
Atlanta isn't far away in the grand scheme of things...
It will be nice to have another person to visit there
But not having her physical presence in my daily life is overwhelming.
She won't be hosting a bridal luncheon
She won't be around to make an impromptu trip to the nail place
No more Saturday lunches
No more movie dates
No more Baja
I'm happy for their new opportunities.
But I am deeply mourning this.
6 comments:
Oh I'm so sorry you're losing a friend with this move. I know that is going to be a very hard thing for you, and rightfully so. I pray God will help you through this...
I can understand why saying good bye to her is going to be so difficult! God has clearly used her in such powerful ways in your life! I have a feeling that He will still allow her to be a blessing in your life and who knows? She might be able to fly in (or drive) to host a bridal luncheon!
So sorry you won't have her there day in and day out! *HUGS!*
I'm so sorry your friend has to leave, Lora. I know it isn't easy to say good-bye....but just remember good-bye doesn't mean forever! It just means, "see you later" really.
BTW...Atlanta is totally not very far from me. :)
Awww, I'm so sorry. She sounds like a wonderful person; thank you for sharing her with us! :)
I know how you feel- most of my friends here have moved away and it's so hard not having them in my life on a day-to-day basis. I know they have moved on to better things, but it's still hard. I'm praying for you and LaJauna- I know how special she is to you!
I'm sorry you have such a special person moving away from you. It sounds as though your friendship is strong enough that you'll still remain close, though. Still, I can only imagine how hard it must be to see her leaving and not being "just around the corner".
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