bittersweet

adj 1: tinged with sadness

bittersweet is one of my favourite phrases. there is a certain emotional, and even aesthetic beauty to the word. i personally find it to be the greatest artistic juxtaposition in the english language.

the definition describes it as tinged with sadness. just take a moment to think about that.

tinged with sadness

could there be anything more real -- more appropriate -- to put into words so much of our lives as we grow, learn, and love? for every action there is a reaction. for every decision there is a consequence. for every joy, there is pain.

bittersweet. let the word roll off your tongue, and rest on your heart. say it aloud, and let the weight of the phrase purse your lips and make heavy the air around you, like a dark and lonely memory that you will never ever forget, yet sometimes wish you could.

friendship and love are the bonds that knit our lives together. they define us, they tell our story. there is a certain comfort in having good friends, and having a loving group to support, encourage, and challenge you. learning to move on, learning to let go -- these are staples of our independent journey's, though they may be intertwined.

there is joy in seeing those you care for happy, and to know that they are in a good place. to be able to dwell in the melancholy moment and wax nostalgic, all the while looking towards the future. soak it all in while you can, because you can see things changing beneath your very feet.

it's scary. it's scary to think that all we hold dear right now could tomorrow dissapear. but it's exciting, and amazing to know that replacing it will be something greater. we often take for granted the constants in life -- forgetting that there are no constants except in Him.

as i often have said, joy and happiness are two different things. one can be unhappy -- yet be full of joy inside, with a hope and faith that is real.

refusing to admit someone is leaving replaces closure with apathy. i'd rather see off and someday reunite with my friends than fizzle and fade away from lack of effort and time.

so i will retract what i wrote to you previously, and indeed i will say goodbye after all -- not simply "see you later". take with you what you need, but don't hang on. you're building something new, and we won't be there for it -- as surreal as it is to concede. remember, but don't dwell. keep in touch, but make new friends. this is it -- this is life finally nudging its way in.

what word could there be but...bittersweet?

so be sure when you step
you step with great tact
and remember that life's
a great balancing act

and will you suceed?
yes! you will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

- Dr. Seuss, Oh the Places You'll Go!

have a good one d.
and remember: jesus loves you


cheers.