Moving on
It hasn’t been easy. I had hoped that I made you better and you didn’t want to lose me. Even more, you made my life so big that I was certain I couldn’t live without you. Maybe that’s why I hung in there for so long, even as our friends told me over and over again to just walk away and stay away. I guess I needed to hear it from you.
But you wouldn’t say it. You kept calling me back in that love-you-but-not-really-but-yeah-I-kinda-do way you have that speaks to my inner dysfunction.
My god, the highest highs and lowest lows we shared! The memories. So many incredible memories. But you can’t live in memories. You live with them. You don’t leave them behind. I have to keep telling myself that.
Now I see that you’ve made some really big, life-altering new choices, choices I cautioned you against, even when you didn’t want to hear it. But you made them anyway. I guess that’s your prerogative. You used to care what I thought. And then I learned you and your new friends were talking smack about me. I guess that’s another sign.
I can’t help you this time. I know, I know, you don’t want my help. And this time I’m finally through trying. I certainly don’t wish you harm, but you have to find your own way. And I have to find mine.
So I guess this is it. Time to say good-bye. We’ll always love each other — well, I’ll always love you — but from a distance now. So, keep in touch… if you feel like it. Be safe. Be kind. Be smart. Be your beautiful, quirky self.
You were once my home, and I adored you. But I’m moving on.
Galveston After Ike 
#1 by Shari on July 6, 2012 - 12:18 pm
Since you already are, you can practice: be.here.now.
#2 by Colleen on July 6, 2012 - 12:18 pm
Moving day is tomorrow and I can’t stop crying–but after reading your post, figurative or not, I will endeavor to keep my eyes forward, not backward.
#3 by Jackie Cole on July 6, 2012 - 12:19 pm
Only half made the choices you cautioned against, not all. And life may make those choices untenable.
The quirky ways are one of the reasons we love Galveston and only time will tell if this pendulum swing is too far for our beloved.
And remember, in the long run, mother nature will take her back and none of it will matter except our legacy of kindness to each other or not.
#4 by Ben on July 6, 2012 - 12:19 pm
Wow. So powerfully true. I am having some of these feelings. I cant believe galveston went bad on its politics. Unfortunately, there will now be a punishment for the choices galveston has made.
#5 by Alex on July 6, 2012 - 12:20 pm
Well, life changes. I am so happy for you!
#6 by Joe Stemmer on July 6, 2012 - 12:20 pm
It’s alway good to remember that your life is in front of you , not behind. Some of us learn from the past, and use that knowledge as we move forward. Some don’t.
I’m happy you’re moving forward.
#7 by Jim on July 6, 2012 - 12:20 pm
Nice piece. Keep em comng.
#8 by Kim on July 6, 2012 - 12:21 pm
Beautifully written! Don’t let Galveston weigh you down.
#9 by Troy on July 8, 2012 - 3:32 am
Galveston went bad on its politics? Boy that’s true, it’s been in decline for decades, and the liberals ran it into the ground, just like Greece.
#10 by Alice Melott on July 8, 2012 - 10:12 am
Troy — We’re not going to turn this into a GDN forum with specious and facetious lobs over the fence.
#11 by Murray Berliski on July 8, 2012 - 12:45 pm
Have never heard my sentiments put more eloquently! Thank you Alice.
#12 by Hal G on July 8, 2012 - 5:15 pm
A couple of years ago Mayor Joe was elected and as was shown by the election there were a lot of people that were very unhappy the direction the island was going in. Now, we have a new mayor and there are a lot of people that are very unhappy with the direction the island might be going in. Since we have to live with what we got, would it not be the right thing to do to give the new group there opportunity. Lets face it, there will never be a situation that makes everyone happy.
#13 by Alice Melott on July 8, 2012 - 5:28 pm
Yep. That’s where I am, too, Hal.
Good to hear from you! I miss our breakfasts. ;c)