My neighbors were moving.
This news was not surprising but it was becoming a reality. I knew this was the next step for Meghan and Maya. But I didn't want it to happen so soon.
When I moved to Michigan, the first 9 months were spent looking for homes. I put in six offers (and was beat out on all of them) before deciding to just move into the new apartment complex that was being built across the street.
On move in day, I met Meghan and Maya. The dynamic duo lived right across the hall from me-- two steps from my door. I'd been hoping for a really good looking single guy in this 30's to be the neighbor, but this was a VERY good second option.
One weekend her mom was headed out of town and Maya was gonna stay with her grandparents. Maya begged her mom to ask me if she could stay with me. Meghan asked and the answer was of course "Yes!" and that began "Maya and Minda's weekend of fun." We went for coffee dates, we made homemade pasta, we played with slime, we ate popcorn and watched movies and had waffles for breakfast. We braided hair and played with makeup.
From that point on, we were buddies. My door was open to her day or night. If I traveled for work, I'd come home to notes on my door of her explaining how much she missed me or calendar countdowns with days checked off until my arrival home.
We played hours and hours of games while listening to our own special Spotify playlist. She'd walk in, request the music, and we'd be content to sit and play Rummikub for hours on end. Maya asked me all the questions, many taking me off guard, but no question was off limits. She asked me a lot about Jesus. She asked me a lot about family dynamics. She asked me about my thoughts on death on days she was particularly missing her dad a lot (who passed away when she was three).
I got to do school drop offs some days in which I'd roll down the window and yell out "MAKE GOOD CHOICES" in order to embarrass her.... when instead, she would turn around and give me a big smile.
Summer days were spent at the pool doing headstands and playing volleyball. We met neighbors at the pool and I was VERY quick to let them know this girl who was beginning to look like an 18 year old woman was actually only 12. Maya knew I would protect and defend her. She knew I loved her fiercely. She knew she would get honest answers from me. She knew I wouldn't settle for bad behavior or salty attitudes. She knew it was a safe space to be fully her, but she also knew when she left my house, attitudes would be shifted.
Meghan and Maya were the best thing Michigan gave me. One year ago today, they moved into their new home. Coming and going became a little less exciting. But to be honest, in a pandemic, there wasn't much going.
It was a good move for them. The best move. But sometimes what's best for others feels painful for us.
I'm thankful for FaceTime. I'm thankful for their friendship. I'm thankful for Michigan that brought them into my life.
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