Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Goodbye, My Friend

I woke up early today. I reached to the the curtain and pulled it aside. There is an empty spot in my heart today. Our friend has left to move away. We didn't know him long, a couple of years, but in that short time we came to treasure his friendship. He gave generously of his time and knowledge to help our business expand. More than that, though we spent many wonderful hours with him and our other friends sometimes sitting around this very fire pit...........

This is what I saw when I pulled back my curtain........ A lonely site.

I walked down to the site with a heavy heart. I picked dead heads off the flowers and thought of our friends....all the friends we have made here over the years. I was sad to see this empty spot that has housed other good friends, too. It was comforting to peek out my curtains at night and know that there was someone in that spot that I could call on if ever I needed help.

Looks mighty lonely, this site, as it waits to meet a new occupant. I wonder if the new rig will hold a future dear friend. There are three sites in this little corner of the park and always seem to hold people who are dear to us. There has been a little controversy of late about this particular site. Feelings have been hurt and friendships bruised. I hope that it is only a bruise. Bruises heal with time.

I am in a melancholy mood today as I think of all my friends, some here and some that have moved on. Sometimes it is hard to please everyone as you try to do what you feel is the right thing. This doesn't always make me popular with everyone and I find myself developing a thick skin. I don't know that I want a thick skin, though. I still want to have compassion and to do that you have to put yourself in the place of others. Lately I feel like I have been walking a tightrope and am likely to fall with each step.
I think I will just lay low today and watch the world around to see what will unfold.



8 comments:

ellen abbott said...

Surely they didn't move on without saying goodbye? And the moving on was not with hard feelings? It is sad when people leave your life and you are not ready for it. Sad when you try to do your best for everyone (good friends and just campers) and people still get hurt feelings. I would say it is more about them than you. It's hard to be friend and boss at the same time.

Sorry for the controversy...why this site?

Kathy's Klothesline said...

ellen--no, we had a goodbye dinner last night. He is moving to another state due to his business failing. Just so sad to see him go. As you can see, his site is lovely and well tended, so everyone wants it. It is still his, though, and I am letting him sublet it to selected tenants only. Causing a bit of controversy with others.

Nancy said...

Interesting. Did you sell the spot to him?

It is lovely. You have a very beautiful place for your campground. We are investing in another trailer next year, I think. And then I'm heading your way for a visit!

Sorry your friend moved on, but you never know - maybe he'll be back.

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Nancy- no, the site is only leased to him, but he has paid through next July. I still own it, but in all fairness I owe him either a refund for the time left. This way he will realize a small amount of money each month. He has no job right now and by doing this I can repay some of the time and effort he so willingly gave to us.

Teresa said...

It's sad to see friends move on. His site is very lovely so I can see why others would want to jump at the chance for it. Good luck to him in finding a position again.

The Good Cook said...

Kathy - I think that is a lovely barter between you and your friend. As I see it you are helping each other - you don't have to dig into your cash reserve to rebate him his rent and he can realize some income from the site.

Sounds like a great compromise and a win-win situation. Hang in there.

Pat said...

Yes, it's sad when friends move on. I wish him the best of luck. But who knows? Your new best friend could be just around the corner, waiting to move in that very spot!

scarlethue said...

Here's hoping you can stay in touch with him and that you only make new friends from the empty place he left behind.