Reluctantly Letting Go - Republished

Letting go of any friendship is difficult, even one that has become rancid.

An old friend of mine no longer sees me in a positive light. The sparkling eyes from the laughter that my friendship once brought is gone. My presence is no longer acknowledged or welcome. No smiles. No willingness to hug or be hugged. Decades ago, that was not the case. Decades.

To be condemned for my weaknesses while neglecting to recognize and embrace my strengths causes me pain. It angers me as well, since it has taken years for me to see myself as the good and loving person that I am, to see all the beauty that I bring to this world and to those whose lives I touch.

Given the circumstances, it is no wonder that we are no longer able to bring out the best in each other. I mourn the loss nonetheless.