for my friends, without whom none of this would be possible

Look at me flying off that rope!  Look how I overcame my terror and trusted my ability to reach up to that next knot as I took off, to hold on until it reached the limit of its arc, to let go before it headed back toward land! You could say that all my moves around the world are a little like this- gathering myself up, assessing risks, and then leaping before I have time to talk myself out of it- and then landing and adapting as quickly as possible to my new environment. 

Isn’t that a sweet and tidy little metaphor? Sweet but false. It leaves out the most important parts of both stories, the parts that make this leap and this picture possible to begin with.

The true story is that there were many friends just outside of the frame of this picture, without whom I would never have made the jump.  One helped me snag the rope on a long heavy stick, and others were floating in tubes nearby, encouraging me, shouting when it was time to let go, ready to help me if I needed it. The picture itself would not exist without the friend who took it, who also organized the trip.

Every single one of my moves has been the same in this way- they have never been a solo effort, not even in the days before I had a partner and then children. There have always been friends near and far who together weave a net of support and humor and connection. Friends to talk through the pros and cons of choices whether the talking is at their kitchen table, over a poor cell connection or a late night web chat, friends to take walks with, to share a beer with in the midst of packing, to send me parcels of silly and meaningful things, friends of friends who already live in my future home who answer questions to help me feel more prepared, friends who are willing to tell me they think I’m making colossal mistakes, but will stand by me anyway.

I'm thinking of you all as I write this, hoping each and all of you know this is about you.  I will do my best to do as much for you.