I am going to preface this by saying that there is no point to the writing that follows. Rather, it’s the result of sitting in one place for the past five hours and the realization of reality setting in.
Right now, it’s 11:15 at night. I’m on the train on the way back into Chicago from Michigan for the first time since July of 2010 and I’m riding it with a feeling of melancholy that’s not related to the four college kids drinking beers and talking at the top of their lungs or the flailing child kicking the back of my seat. It has more to do with the fact that one of my best friends, someone I’ve known since 6th grade and have developed an iron-clad bond with over the past 12 or so years, is leaving for Australia for two years tomorrow evening.
When I reflect on the last half of my life, Donna Aviles has been a consistent presence. Of the maybe 4 or 5 people from high school that I still keep in touch with, Donna is the one in the most vivid memories. Along with our seemingly permanent accessory, Brad, we were a constant presence outside the downtown Starbucks or at the sushi place or just driving around, it didn’t seem to matter what we were doing, it was always fun.
But the most important times aren’t always the best or easiest. We’re both stubborn people, I, in particular, antagonize for the sole purpose of agitation. There was the time in high school that we argued about abortion vs. adoption with me being, not pro-choice, but pro-abortion. It was notable because it wasn’t one of our normal, stupid arguments. It was also the first time Donna called me her best friend. Best. Friend.
It’s a term that was and still is thrown around a lot. I don’t believe that it’s something to be taken lightly. A best friend is someone you can always rely on to be there for you. Your own personal cheerleader. It’s someone that you can call no matter what time it is just to talk and end the conversation feeling better about your position in life.
But now, my friend is moving. Moving out of the state she’s lived in for most of her life, spending a solid 20 plus hours in the air, to continue her education in Australia. And though I’m going to miss her as much as I have ever missed a person in my life, I know that now’s the time for me to be her best friend and support her. I tell her that everything will be ok because I know that it will be and I hope that she’s able to fully appreciate the opportunity she’s being given.
Donna, you’re one of the most important people in my life and I couldn’t be happier for you.
