This time last year my inbox was bombarded with invitations for Ma’salama parties.
A few really good friends were departing the island and no matter how many times you rehearse them, the truth is that goodbyes never get easier and expat life guarantees an assault course of farewells, requiring nerves of steel and significant emotional muscle.
Especially when one of my good friends decided to have a Ma’salama party for just about everything.
The last Souq visit, the last Friday Brunch, the last beach day, the last salon visit, the last coffee, the last anything!
It went on for so long I was exhausted and maybe even a tad relieved when she eventually left.
This summer, however, I’m not having to say the dreaded goodbye to the good friends who leave massive spaces where there used to be barbeques, parties and play dates for the kids, a shoulder to cry on, but I know a lot of friends that are.
Many fear the tears and the sad feelings that leaving entails but you don’t have to say goodbye forever.
Planning a future gathering together, or regular Skype-chats can help, we are still able to share happy moments with friends living on the other side of the globe, although the everyday normality of your friendship clearly shifts, the quick coffee after school drop-off, general rants, sharing kids birthday parties will be no more.
But life continues, the circle continues, newcomers join, friends continue to leave.
Whether you are the one leaving or staying it’s an opportunity for new hellos and new adventures.
The revolving door of international friendships, people who leave us or who we leave with memories to cherish forever … it’s not goodbye but see you soon.
