Last night, Rachel and a couple of friends threw a St. Patty’s Day-themed goodbye party in our backyard for her BFF as she prepares to embark on an incredible new chapter; five years of medical school in Ireland.
There will be tears shed over the next many days. There will be hugs that last a little longer than usual. There will probably be moments when it all feels a little too real.
But underneath all of that is something even bigger. An incredible adventure ahead. A new country. A new culture. New experiences, challenges and discoveries. And the opportunity to work toward an amazing dream of becoming a doctor.
I think one of the hardest parts of watching the people we love grow up is realizing that sometimes their next chapter takes them far beyond the places we are used to having them.
But distance doesn’t erase friendship.
It doesn’t erase the countless memories, late-night shenanigans, celebrations, tears and adventures. It doesn’t erase six incredible weeks spent together in Israel in 2023. And it certainly doesn’t erase the comfort of knowing someone has been there through so many seasons of life.
The best friendships have a way of stretching. Adapting to time zones, busy schedules and thousands of kilometres between them. They may look a little different, but the bond remains.
And for Rachel, this goodbye comes with one pretty great silver lining. A very good excuse to visit Ireland (and Europe), which of course, she’s already hoping to do so for St. Patty’s Day next spring! 🍻
So while there may be a few tears, or, more likely, more than a few as this new chapter begins, I hope they are mixed with enormous pride, excitement and anticipation for everything that lies ahead.
Because this isn’t really goodbye.
It’s see you later.
It’s cheering each other on from different corners of the world and knowing that some friendships are strong enough to cross an ocean.
So cheers to new beginnings @taliakierstead, chasing dreams, and making memories in a new corner of the world.
Wishing you the luck of the Irish 🍀 Talia on this incredible adventure. Go make your mark. Embrace every moment. Soak it all in. Chase that dream with everything you’ve got.
And always remember that no matter how far you go, home, and your BFF will always be waiting for you!
#luckoftheirish #medicalschool #mentalhealth #bffs #friendship
YouAreEnough 