Closure

This trip to Boston was interesting. It was wonderful to get to see all the people I've grown to love and know during my time there. But it was also sad and the definite end of the era. This is the first time I've been back, exclusively in my new role. I still got to meet countless students and share in their wins. I gave tours in the building I've poured my life into for a few years. 

I pulled away from the building Tuesday morning, and I was hit with a crushing wave of sadness. For the many hours I spent there, often 10-12 hour days, it no longer held the same allure. Every person who supported/celebrated and cheered me on in my move to Boston was gone. Some from maternity leave, some to other companies, and some to other positions. I gave an impromptu tour to a few employees, and they wondered aloud why I ever left, as they clearly saw the love of the building on my face. While the equipment still has my heart, I'm no longer tied to that building like I once was. 

I added an extra day to my itinerary, to visit with my friends a bit more. As wonderful as the time was, it was devastating to leave them. I don't have a return date to Boston. I'm sure there will be at some point, but leaving with the uncertainty was heavy, and I found the drive to the airport excruciating. My only consolation is that my company HQ is in New England, and so I'm sure to be back in the area in the coming years. 

It was a crazy week, driving between events in Providence and Norwood, and hosting people at all hours, as well as reconnecting with some of my students. But I left with a sense of closure. I'm done with that chapter in my life. As much as I loved teaching, and meeting people from around the world, I've turned the page. My life is in EMEA right now. I still adore Boston as a city, and would move back to live there in a heartbeat, but for now, I'm committed to Luxembourg.