Less than a month after I got to Columbia I had pretty tremendous back pain, ended up in surgery and, amazingly, friends sprouted up around me like Forsythia blooms signaling the end of winter. I suddenly had a network of supporters who rallied around me. They cooked, they doggysat, they allowed me to live with them (Thanks Amy), they packed/moved everything I owned in an afternoon, they covered my classes, they even tied my shoes (thanks again Amy). From that moment on... Columbia was home. Friends started sprouting up in ANOVA class, at church, and around the office.
Fast forward 3 years and the sadness I feel at leaving Columbia is hard to describe. In my head I know it would not be the same, even if I stayed, because Columbia was never intended to be my home. It was intended to be a stop along the journey to teach me not only academic but life lessons. I have made some great friends in Columbia. (Ironically, many of them are not there anymore either or won't be there in another year or two.)
I have learned a lot about myself and those hard learned lessons from Columbia have made the move to Corvallis a little smoother. I still think I have gone about 48 without talking to anyone (except those poor store clerks), but I know that means it's time to put in a call to family and friends (and hope they call me sometimes, too). I don't want to have another back surgery to find my Corvallis family. I know I just have to be patient and I will find them, just below the snowy surface, waiting to bloom.
Misty, this was well written... and describes perfectly what many of us feel when we move to a new place. Trust me, in no time, you'll be settling in and making new friends right where you are. Fast forward three years, and you'll be loving it there - as you did in Columbia. Enjoy the downtime you have now too, because it won't be long until you're off and running! And, you're welcome... I'll tie your shoes (in public, on a busy street corner) anytime you need (if I'm around). :)
ReplyDeleteWow. This was a great piece of writing. We've missed you in ACC country too. I mean, it's rather difficult to rag on NC State from a distance. But, I'm sure you'll do well both socially and professionally in Oregon. It sounds like a fun place to me, though it seems to be slightly colder weather there than down here in NASCAR country. Good luck, and have fun over there.
ReplyDeletePatty Poo
P.S
I nearly forgot my smack talk! This is the year for Tar Heel football. We will beat the puppies and win the ACC title. We'll do the same in basketball too...at least the beating State part.