My Last Post
Well, we certainly had a good run of it didn’t we, Geoff and I? In the end, I find myself often looking back on it all, and I can’t believe my good fortune to even have had the chance to experience the adventure of the past few years together at all. It really was an amazing ride, one that I would have preferred to ride forever. These past few days I find myself thinking back on all that we’ve been through, the life experiences that we shared, images playing out as a mini movie in the back of my mind set on shuffle and occasional repeat:
…me sitting nervously for 45 minutes in the waiting room of Geoff’s oral surgeon as his wisdom teeth finally met their fate, and the way he looked in the recovery room…all gauzed up like a disheveled chipmunk. Being hit by a sudden wave of intense nurturing at the sight of my massacred chipmunk, and of how I wanted nothing more than to take him home, and follow the doctor’s orders impeccably.
…sitting around a campfire on the tip of the Oregon coast with friends and family, idly chatting away into the evening as we wait to catch a glimpse of a space station in the skies. The way the conversations abruptly ended at first sight of the tiny arcing spec in the sky, and how everyone instinctively huddled closer together. Me leaning against Geoff…all quiet except for the cackle of the campfire…both staring up in awe.
…me smiling for two days straight as I steadfastly followed the brightly colored U-Haul in my yellow Beetle as we covered the nearly 1,500 miles to our new home and new life here in Eugene. Staring at the various U-Haul pricing on the back of that truck, I was content to know that my entire little life could fit into that tiny 14-foot truck. Geoff and the two cats in the cab, our meager belongs in the back. I just couldn’t wait to arrive in our new home and finally be planted somewhere. To set some roots, start some traditions. I can still see and feel myself excitedly pressing on the gas pedal of my old beetle as we neared the state line to Oregon. I had wanted to cross it together, me in the passing lane with Geoff in the other, and share that experience together. To this day, I can still hear that familiar sound of my faithful Beetle responding to the touch of my foot, as I easily pulled next to Geoff as we were flying down that highway together. Our windows were down, my hair wildly whipping around my face, the summer heat thick in Eastern Oregon, as we smiled to each other from our driver’s seat. The sound of my car horn permeates this memory, and echos as this now bittersweet memory fades away and is replaced by a new one…
…I’ve learned a lot about life and death alongside Geoff. I’ve held his hand as grief and loss touched his family, and also when his family welcomed new life. At the time when I first met Geoff, I was coping with tremendous loss. Geoff was patient. He listened. He taught me how to go on living despite such tragedy. He made me smile again, and kept me smiling the entire 6 years. Every single day. Except for the past three weeks…
Dear reader, I could share my memories for days, but for now I promise to keep the rest to myself. This website really has been our story anyway. Should you want more, read away. For me, this will sadly be my last post here at geoffandcarley. Not being able to write the rest of our journey is something I’m still trying to wrap my mind around. I will always wonder what would have been written? What more was in store for us.
I can see that I need to begin the journey of finding myself again and where I fit in this new world. Should you wish to continue to follow me and to see what the next chapter holds, I can be found here: www.oregoniangal.wordpress.com
This is C-Monkey signing off,
