Can We Just Discuss?

I would like to climb on to my apple crate (soap boxes are so last minute) here for just a moment to extoll the virtues of friends in the right time and the right place. Disclaimer: If you are not interested in a post that is going to be mushy, read no further.

I have said it before, but it bears repeating that I have some incredible friends. And I had a moment this morning when I woke up. I thought to myself, "Isn't it amazing that I have all the right friends at the right time in the right place for me?" We are sharing this wonderful journey together and I want ALL of my friends (near and far) to know how much they are loved.

Somewhere in the grand scheme of life, I have lost touch with some friends, moved on from others, kept in touch sporadically with still others, but none of this makes me feel any less connected or distant from anyone. I think of my friends old and new constantly and feel incredibly greatful for the footprint each one has left on me.

Now: to all of my friends in Macau. You may or may not be reading this, I don't ever need to know, I am unbothered either way, but in the off chance that you will stumble across my ever so humble blog, I want to say this in the most public display I am capable of.

You.

Are.

Special.

There is a lot of distrust and backstabbing and hurt going around our place of employment, but you are loved. You are good at what you do, you are loyal, you are professional. It's very easy to forget that when the negativity drags you down. But each and every one of you have something unique and constructive to add to not only this world, but also our show. I cannot imagine having made it this far in this unfamiliar territory without you and you should all know that this experience would have been completely different without you. We expats owe each other strength and compassion in times like these because we are all we have out here. We are who we are and we need to be strong and not show weakness. But we are human. And we are also very fragile. It's easy to forget this in the good times, but impossible to forget in the bad. If you think I'm writing this for you, I probably am. There are several of you out there and I want you all to know I feel for you. I wish I could take away your pain. All I can do is try to help you smile in the face of the dark. Maybe be a little bitty spark in that dark... (Get it??? I'm an electrician... Spark... : ) ) Just a little dorky humor to lighten the mood.

To ALL my friends, I say this: I may look like I'm 16, but I love ya'll like I'm aged far beyond my time on this earth. If you need anything, a shoulder to cry on, a sympathetic ear, a hug, no matter the time, you name it. I will make it happen. {If you're in the States and need a hug, I'll send a proxy.}

You are all precious.

I love you all and miss you more (those back home - Macau, I see you every day!).

Love and misses.

xxx