First off–thank you to all my readers who have commented and sent email. It means more than you can imagine.
Sometimes life is… strange. Leaving here is not the bitter-sweet ending I had expected. When I graduated from undergrad work I cried through my commencement ceremony. The president of the university I attended looked at me and said, “Smile,” as he shook my hand. We were standing on the podium, posing for one last photo as he handed me my diploma. Those are the best tears to cry. Tears over leaving something you love. My professors and mentors sat in the front row facing the stage and I could see the tears of those I loved so much. They were saying goodbye and sending me off in the way graduates have been sent off since the beginning of all this pomp and
circumstance.
I won’t lie. I had expectations that my “end” here would be the same. Sadly, it is not case. I’m leaving here deflated and demoralized. I’m ready to pack my bags and begin anew. And that’s ok, too. Not every ending has to be bittersweet. Sometimes, it ends roughly, or without explanation,or in anger, or in silence. We don’t get to pick our endings every time.
Which is why perspective is always a GOOD thing. Like healing, it arrives in time. Sometimes with the help of friends. (Thank you–you know who you are!) Sometimes in the strange things that arrive in your in-box. Case in point:
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): One of the world's longest streets is Figueroa Street in Los Angeles. It runs 30 miles. In contrast, Bridge Street, a lane near my house, is about 50 yards long and connects two lengthy roads to each other. The path you're on right now, Pisces, has a metaphorical resemblance to Bridge Street. Your time on it will be brief, and it will serve as a bridge between two phases of your life story. Soon you'll turn onto a longer thoroughfare more like Figueroa. In the meantime, pay maximum attention to the sights and sounds. This leg of your journey will be short, but it will reveal clues that will be essential as you shift gears. |
I don’t know about horoscopes in general–but I’m thinking the next 47 days are my Bridge Street. That this end is less about leaving and more about where I’m going. I’ve appreciated your company,dear readers, on this last 50 yards. Thank you for your presence–it speaks volumes.
Perspective also comes with clarification. In the last post I mentioned a note I received in the mail from a past friend. My read on the letter was skeptical at best, completely jaded at worst. And today (along with ANOTHER email from housing asking if I was leaving… heh) I received the following:
| Wen, I’m sorry you’ve had such a rough time in preparation for your transition. After reading your recent blog, I’m also sorry that you weren’t able to receive my card in the way it was intended. I really did mean it sincerely and had hoped it would be conciliatory. I still wish you the best in all you do. |
So, I’m printing a “retraction” of sorts. I think my reading at the time was legitimate considering my circumstances. I also acknowledge that those circumstance have probably clouded my perspective just a wee bit. (OK, not probably!) Her card took me completely by surprise–I never expected to hear from her again. I certainly never expected her to read my blog. I stand by my words–but not necessarily my interpretation. This much I will say, she has way more moxie than most people around here. She at least has the courage to tell me I had it all wrong! And for that bit of perspective I am deeply grateful.
