Shuffle, shift, and scatter

In the past, whenever someone would leave the city, state, or country, I would have the same reactions each and every time. Enthusiasm, excitement, utter joy that someone I knew would be visiting some fantastical new place in the world. I would wish them well, knowing that regardless of the contents of their trip, the experience would make them into a better person.

What I've taken for granted is the fact that, invariably, they would return. These travels were hardly ever permanent, and even if they would be gone for a month, two months, a year, or even longer, at some point, they would be back, and we would be able to reconnect and carry on like we used to.

Now, the onset of age has reared its head. People are graduating and literally scattering themselves around the globe. And this time, there is no defined "next time". No Gainesville, no Atlanta to come home to. Wherever they're heading for, that is home to them now. No guaranteed winter breaks, no guaranteed summer reunion. They'll be occupied in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Houston, Hong Kong, Copenhagen, Cincinnati, etc. I myself graduate in a little under a year, and have on idea where I'll end up.

Where has the time gone?