Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Thank you and Goodbye - Herzlichen Dank und Auf Wiedersehen

In the end all I have are “thank yous.” Thank you, thank you, thank you. To my family for the endless support, love, and visits. To my friends for talking at strange hours and a wonderful amount of mail. To April, Aubrey Anne, Margo, Meredith, Maria, Liz, Lane, and Brian for putting in the long hours to explore Europe with me. To the new "Freunde" I made this year despite language difficulties. To Martha and Bernd for things previously mentioned. To Marko and Julia for errands, great conversation, and delicious food. To Ben and Tom for lessons in German and showing me that boys really are more fun. To Cara for being patient with me. To Christof for tortellini salad and liking me despite my neutral views on soccer. To Sandra for more things than I can list, but must include high heels and being one of the most caring friends I’ve ever had. And to my Mathis, for fake sneezes, a great sense of rhythm, and for always being the most important thing in any room. Thank you so much. 
After all of the trips to places I’ve dreamed of, coming back to Rheda-Wiedenbrück and the Niemeier’s never felt like the end of an adventure, just a continuation. I’m starting to learn that maybe that’s what really living is all about. Since being back in America, someone told me that the damage done in one year can take a lifetime to correct. Man, wouldn't that be nice? Here’s to hoping so. 



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