The hardest thing about moving: I’m missing my brother’s wedding
Originally posted on August 18, 2017
I’m missing my brother’s wedding, and that’s perhaps the hardest thing I’ve had to face since I moved to Colombia. Of course, changing my whole lifestyle, my job, going from a city to a farm, learning new things, it’s not always easy. The truth is, though, that you adapt. You learn, you move on, and you begin to enjoy it all, and I have. But facing the fact that I won’t be there for Diego’s “I do” is something I still can’t really begin to process.
Diego is one of my closest cousins; he’s basically my brother. He is the most understanding, kind, honest, thoughtful, and loving person you’ll ever meet. I could probably continue for an endless number of pages with adjectives and a long description of how amazing he is. We grew up together and have gone through many things. He’s been there through the toughest moments, and no matter what I tell him or how different we might be sometimes, he doesn’t judge and has always been there for me. We are all lucky to have him in our lives.
And tomorrow…he’s getting married!
I always knew that I would cry when he got married. I don’t cry much, although recently I do a lot more, but there are generally few things that make my cry. But I always imagined crying when he said “I do”. Mostly because of how special he is to me, and because I knew that the big step in his life would mean a big change.
But then Stacey came into his life – into our lives – and any tear became a tear of happiness for both of them. The truth is, all those adjectives I used to describe Diego are the same ones I’d use to describe her. And as amazing as they are as individuals, they are that much more amazing as a couple. I’ve seen few couples complement each other as much as they do. And those of us who get to witness their love are lucky, not just because you don’t see something so special as often, but also because they brighten our lives as well. On a personal level, they have been an important source of support and joy in the last couple of years.
So, of course, when Diego asked Stacey to marry him, I couldn’t help but cry because two amazing people were joining their lives, and we got to witness it all come together. I feel extremely lucky to be a part of it; I was excited, emotional and happy to be there for it, and to see them plan their wedding and look forward to their new life.
Of course, life doesn’t always work the way we envision, and when I decided I needed a change in my life, the decision to leave the U.S was that much harder because I knew that there was a chance I would miss their big day. Ultimately, I had to leave because it was the right thing for me, and Diego and Stacey were incredibly supportive. But the timing was off because in the end, things did not come together how I originally planned and come tomorrow, I won’t be there to see them say “I do”. Even though I knew that was a possibility, it’s really different when it becomes a reality. I’ve missed other big family events, including weddings, but none of those hurt as much as this one. Honestly, the hardest thing about moving to Colombia is knowing that I won’t be there, and I won’t get to hug them and congratulate them personally.
Yet, beyond the tears and beyond the sadness of not being there, the happiness and excitement is much bigger than that. Like Diego said, even though I won’t be there for their wedding, I get to be there for their marriage. I get to see Diego and Stacey be Mr. and Mrs. Camargo!
To Diego and Stacey: thank you for letting me be in your lives, and for being there for me through the good and the bad. Thank you for being supportive in everything and, how can I forget, for the many brunches with mimosas 🙂 Although I’m sorry I won’t be there, I am happy for you both because you are about to embark on a new, exciting and beautiful journey together. I love you both and from the bottom of my heart, congratulations! You both deserve nothing but the best, and starting tomorrow we get to witness a new chapter in your life.
I miss you both, I hate that I won’t be there in person, but I can’t wait for what is to come.
Congratulations! I love you both!
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