Today I had breakfast with a friend for the last time in a long while. We went to Annamarie’s. I had vegan pancakes.
This is my letter to him as he prepares to move across the world to chase adventure.
Dear Alex Sebastian Stenman, (Not your real name, but those initials would have been funny!)
There are many mixed emotions when we have big transitions in life. There is joy and excitement and a sense of adventure that fills the heart. There is also fear of change, a hint of regret, and a deep sense of thankfulness and gratitude for what has been. All of these things come into play when I’m wishing a best friend off on an adventure on the other side of the world.
I will miss you.
You were the first and really only friend that I didn’t work with that I got to spend time with in Pennsylvania. I remember driving home like a little school girl after you said we should grab drinks sometime. Honestly, I was embarrassed that I had never drank and didn’t really like bars. I think we ended up seeing a movie or something.
I was a recent college grad who moved to a town and a state where I didn’t know anybody and you reached out. You befriended me. Our friendship was a great one. We had similar interests and hobbies, we were trying to get our lives on track, and we connected about deeper things like faith and who we were becoming.
I remember watching two movies a week at the Movie Tavern.
I remember hearing your girl problems while working out at the YMCA.
I remember the burger nights at your parents house. You make great guacamole.
I remember the random things like the pumpkin carving.
I remember waiting for you for basically every endeavor.
I remember being impressed with your musicality and guitar shredding skills.
I remember putting up with your in-time, but VERY loud drumming!
I remember being jealous of your motorcycle.
I remember Phillies’ games.
I remember the countless rehearsals.
I remember the incredibly dry speech you gave at my wedding. 😉
I remember the Annamarie’s breakfasts.
I remember the times we drifted, were busy and then picked up like we had seen each other yesterday.
I remember hearing some TERRIBLE fantasy football trade proposals!
I remember telling you that you should date Ashlee (little did I know, you had already hung out!)
I remember asking you when you were going to marry Ashlee!
I remember when you told me you were going to propose.
I remember when you told me you might move to Qatar.
There are many more things that didn’t make this page, but I’ll always remember that you were there for me. We were there for each other.
I’m sad you’re going. I will miss you. It won’t be the same.
I’m so incredibly pumped that you get this opportunity to chase dreams, to see the world and to live your new married life to the fullest.
I’m proud of you for taking this step of faith.
I’m proud I get to call you my friend.
The internet gives us every possible way to keep in touch and be sure that we will.
Our friendship will morph and evolve and it will be for the good.
Thank you for everything you have done for me.
Thank you for being there.
Thank you for our friendship.
Thankins from Hankins.
To everyone who isn’t Alex, be an Alex today.