Tonight is bittersweet.

Tonight is bittersweet. One of my best friends, Dinorah, is moving away and this is her last night in Alabama.

I met Dinorah at JSU and we clicked. I never expected to make a life-long friend in college since there is an age gap between me and most of the other students, but damn I'm glad it happened. I don't know how I would have made it through school without her. She was my sunshine on some pretty dark days. We took some tough classes together. She was the first person who invited me to be a gym partner. I don't know that I ever would have gotten out of my comfort zone and tried yoga without her let alone go to a gym at all. She helped me move when I moved into Shaun's house. She's been a friend in the truest sense of the word.

I feel like the pandemic robbed me of precious time I could have spent with her: More time getting Boba tea. Going out to eat. Choking out in restaurants while she gently embraced me from behind. 😂😂😂 Working out when our schedules meshed right. Watching Netflix and having pizza and Gooey Butter Bars. Hanging out with Shaun and / or Jonathon. Listening to good music. Watching videos on repeat of our wife, Christine and the Queens. Succulent shopping. Going places. Just chilling with the cats and pups. I loved hearing her exclaim "Faithie!" every time she came over. Faith loved her, too. Just talking and laughing and being, well, friends. I needed that. I still do.

I'm not throwing myself a pity party, though. Yeah, I'mma miss my girl, but I can't express how proud I am of her for graduating college and less than a month after that being prepared to pack her ass up and GO. That takes hard work and planning and SHE DID IT. She's been a hard worker for as long as I've known her. Despite being young she's got a good head on her shoulders and I know she's going to be fine - better than fine, really. She's going to do great things in the world and I can't wait to see them.

Moving across the country is a big, bold move. I don't think I would have had the guts to do that at her age. I'm going to be worried for a few days until she arrives at her destination, but I'm so ready for her to have the freedom and opportunity that comes with getting out of Anniston, AL. She has worked so hard and deserves all the good things that life has to offer.

I love you, Pinoran. I love you so damn much. Me and Shaun are here for you always - no matter the distance between us. Have a safe trip and know that I will be internet stalking you until I know you've made it to your new home safely! ❤️❤️❤️