Today was
the last time Hannah and I will meet this semester. I got her a little
"Christmas Gift" of a mug with a polar bear and filled it with chocolate.
Last meeting she showed me her two other Christmas gifts she had every received
so I knew that she needed more!
We ran up
to each other and hugged. I handed her the mug and a copy of my family Christmas card that I had written for her. I explained to her friend what Christmas cards are as Hannah opened the card. Tears welled in our eyes as she
read the card and looked closely at the picture of my family. She hugged me
twice more.
In
attempt to change the subject from leaving I asked about her exams at which
she rolled her eyes. She just said they went ok but they were done. Haha. I
love it! It's so exactly how I would respond. She told me that she is all
packed for her flight tomorrow and she was beyond excited. Her face lit up and
I couldn't help but smile. Her parents are just going to fall over when they
see her! I can't wait to hear how it goes! She hugged me twice more and said
thank you for everything. I turned to her, "Thank YOU for
everything!" I responded, and we laughed.
It's sad
to think that we won't see each other until I get back to TCU in August and
even then, she might transfer. Our paths might never cross again which breaks
my heart, but I told her that even if she transfers, we will meet up again one day. I
mean, a few weeks ago she told me that I had to come to her wedding one day so
we better!!! I do love a wedding! I told her to continue posting pictures on
Facebook and Instagram. She said of course and we hugged yet again.
Then we parted ways. Not forever, but for now.
Mary Lauren, I think it’s so wonderful that you and your conversation partner Hannah have become such great friends. I can tell from reading your blog posts that Hannah is a kind person. I love how positive you are about keeping in touch with her. Relationships with people are so essential in life. The relationship that you and Hannah fostered shows how successful this community engagement project was. It seems like every one was paired with engaging, insightful partners! I haven’t met with my partner for the last time yet, but I know it will be sad. It is great that everyone has social media as a way to keep up with their partners even after this class is over!
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about this a lot lately as the semester is coming to an end. Saying goodbye is a part of life that I am horrible with. Even thinking about high school friends that I may never see again breaks my heart. The friendship I've formed with my conversation partner has also been a special one, though! She has also been a great conversation partner that I am sad to be leaving, because I know it is unlikely that our lives will cross much after this year. It is so great, though, to have learned so much from her and to have created a friendship so unique!! I hope I can keep in touch with her even after she goes back home. I'm sure you will be able to keep in touch with Hannah, especially after reading your blogposts it seems like you had a great relationship that can last as long as you would like for it to last!
ReplyDeleteMary Lauren, it is so sweet to hear how close you and Hannah have become this semester. Your relationship is exactly what this program is all about, and you have really embraced it. You have truly become great friends and I hope that this is not goodbye for the two of you. I can tell that you will both fight to make sure its not, and you will continue to stay in touch through technology. I have enjoyed meeting with my conversation partner as well, but I am almost envious of just how close you have become in just one semester. This class has gotten us all out of our comfort zones and brought us some amazing new friends that we will never forget. I truly hope you and Hannah see each other again soon.
ReplyDeleteGoodbyes are never easy. I've actually been thinking a lot about them recently; as I embark upon a new journey in just a few months with graduation looming and the possibility of a new city, full of strangers and unfamiliarities, and it terrifies and excites me all at once. I will say goodbye to all of the people that have stepped in as my family these past four years and the fact that some of these friendships might not survive the inevitable passing of time breaks my heart. I think the most unique part of this portion of the class is just how impactful conversation partner meetings can be; if you let them. You have gained a friendship that will be important to you for the rest of your life. It seems the two of you have really made an amazing connection and I envy this! Your kind spirit clearly meshes well with hers and I hope the best for this special friendship. I feel confident the two of you will stay in touch and that this is not goodbye!
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