Recently, I have said tearful goodbyes to friends as they set sail across the seas to settle into new adventures under non-African skies.

I have had the enormous privilege of knowing a plethora of spirited and brave individuals that have scaled challenges and opportunities across the globe throughout my life. Some have returned to re-plant in this soil, and others have not. I have said many goodbyes to many friends moving here, there and everywhere.

So, when this batch of goodbyes rolled around I thought I would be ok… wishfully waving excited farewells to my friends. And moving on with my next, right thing. But alas, this batch was not to be! I find myself reminded of my sweet friends in the quiet moments of my boring days. And a familiar ache creeps into my heart.

We whispered “see you later” to decades of connectedness. Years upon years of memories that span seasons of singleness, weddings, children and careers. Big moves, small moves. New jobs and new houses. Finding laughter in the toughest of times and holding hands through streams of tears.

These years seem so much more significant in the rear-view mirror. And so my soul throbs with the gratitude and wonder of friendship. It’s beauty, I think, is in its gravity. And its gravity is in its goodbyes. Or at the very least, in the “Until next time” wishes.

Because, when companionship is built like this, it’s built to last.

So here’s what I hope my friends, spread across the world, know…

May time, nor seasons
Shame nor loneliness
Ever keep you from me
Or me from you.
I think of you often,
In the small hours of my day.
And in the manic moments,
I miss you the most.
If whole months
Or more, pass between us
face or screen,
I hope you know…
I’m still the same
Still here
For you.
So, may time, nor seasons
shame nor loneliness
Ever keep you from me
Or me from you.
No distance or “adieu”
will rip us apart.
Forever I’ll hold
our friendship in my heart.