As all three of you who read this periodically know, Sue and I are about to embark on a new journey, in two short weeks, I will be leaving with Drew (my son) and Abbey THE dog to drive to Bluffton, SC. Sue will remain and supervise the “clean out”, ie, the movers, the remaining items to be taken away to the “transfer station” (was called the dump forever) and then follow down a few days later. We close on the new place that Friday and immediately items will be delivered, installed and the new chapter begins (and Abbey THE dog will see her new home and be totally confused for a long time).

Last night, the amazing Tori Witte, Sue’s friend since grade 2 in Old Greenwich, CT, put on an incredible “going away” gathering at her home for us. We were surrounded by friends who have become, over the past many, many years, family. There were laughs, tears, enough food to support a small country and lots of drinks. I, interestingly, stuck to plain tonic water and seltzer. I really wanted to experience all that was there, to engage with and interact with all the amazing people who took time out of their busy lives to say à bientôt as we get ready to uproot. I chose that particular word instead of good bye or so long or the like because I am hopeful that the new journey will be marked by not only new friends (we know not one single soul where we are headed) but by frequent gatherings with the friends and family we have become so very close to both individually and as a couple these past years.

When we arrived home, I was unable to sleep as I didn’t want the moments or the feelings to pass, eventually, I did head to bed, after the one glass of wine I nursed while watching some late night Olympic coverage and this morning I am still smiling and tearing up thinking about all of the wonderful folks who took time out of their lives to wish us well.

Tori the ultimate host: Torrificus was a moniker I gave her over two decades ago and it is more apropos today than ever before.

Krista who baked a cake that looked like a real suitcase, so real, that no one wanted to cut into it, Brian who had to carry it up a very, very steep driveway.

Brian and Wayne (one of two complete surprises) all the way from New Hampshire, Art even further from California (and the other complete surprise)

Ashley and Dan making the trek from Rockland County, Kim who gifted us with an platter that she had everyone sign.

Amy and Dan, who bought a house very near us 4+ years ago and who we have been friends with even longer.

Pat and Gary Rosen who have been friends back from the beginning at GHS.

Linda who came even as her wife, Robin was unable due to a sad event she was attending.

Nelle, another of Sue’s OG friends (and an original OG), and Michael who helped Nelle out by being the driver 🙂

Laura and Tracy: Friends, sisters, confidantes….

There was even a Mighty Max “drive by” 🙂

We missed a number of other folks who were unable to make it due to schedules and life simply getting in the way: Drew, Vicki, Kate, Jon, Mara, Maeve, Ryleigh, Ellie, Jill, Mark, Robert, Patti, Adam, Holly…we will see you along the road but still felt the love from afar.

In closing there are really no words or phrases that would appropriately convey how both of us feel about all of you. Our wish is that you visit early and often and really take to heart that we have a lot of room and an open door at all times.

Thank you for the love, the kindness, the friendship, the laughs, the tears, the wine, the food, the hugs, the support and anything I missed…..

à bientôt: not goodbye, not so long, just another version of “see you soon”