University of Dayton - MyLife

A Fun-Filled Fourth

This past weekend was as if my friends and I were back at UD spending a normal weekend at school together. On Friday, about six of my friends drove from all around Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania to come to my house so we could get together for the big fireworks celebration in Columbus. We met up at our friends Rick and Ryan's apartment (both UD grads, of course) near downtown for a cookout and then headed to the center of the city to watch the spectacular fireworks show called "Red, White, and Boom." There were about 15 of us all together that night and even though some of us had gone awhile without seeing each other, it was as if nothing had changed. After that amazing evening, there was much more fun to come, because the next day we headed up to Marion, Ohio where three of our friends live. We played some putt-putt, had a cookout, and watched the local fireworks while we were there. It was great to spend so much time with most of my UD friends right before leaving. However, saying goodbye to everyone was almost as difficult as it was two months ago, when we had to say goodbye to UD. Because I am moving so far away, I don't know when the next time I'll see everyone again is and I don't even know when I'll be back in Ohio. The uncertainty of when we can all get together again has been difficult, but I am so thankful I was able to see everyone quite a few times this summer before my early departure. I'm not the only one moving away. I have two friends headed to New York City, a friend headed to Chicago, one going to St. Louis, another going to Toledo, one still choosing between California and Chicago, some friends that will be in Pittsburgh, and some that will be back in Dayton next year. Even though goodbyes are hard, it's really exciting to think about all the great things everyone will be doing within the next few months as we all begin our service programs, new jobs, and/or grad schools. And regardless of where everyone ends up within the next year, at least we can count on seeing each other at the countless weddings we have coming up!

Jul 6, 2009 5:05 PM Permalink