A Thank You Note from Your Expat Friend

Hey Hon,

We were on the phone talking about the logistics of tomorrow night. I said, “Oh, I am right by your office. I can see it from here.” You said, “Come up, I´m on my lunch break!” I climbed the stairs and you were still chewing the same bit of salad that you popped in your mouth while we were on the phone. We hugged. You offered me a coffee. We commented on how nice it was to be on the phone one moment, and then face-to-face the next. A luxury for us.

We seem to swap countries like a baton, never holding on to the same one for very long. Our friendship was born in Switzerland. Like a twisted trick of the universe, I moved to your home territory. Then I came back and you moved home, next I left and you came back. You zig, I zag. For the last five months, we have miraculously been here at the same time, but now I am leaving. *deep sigh*

When these choices bring us further away geographically, I hope you know it rips up my heart. We both know that the right thing is not always the easy thing, nor without its drawbacks.

Darling, thank you for your love. Thank you for your unconditional friendship. Your support. Thank you for your patience with my family´s choices to follow jobs, adventure, and our family values.

I move forward with a deep trust that our friendship doesn´t give a damn about postal codes. (Tweet that!)

I love you to pieces.

P.S. Now it is your turn. Share this note with a dear friend who loves you – no matter where you are.