My Friend’s Grand Adventure

So my good friend Hali has gone off into the world, and will be spending the next six months on the island paradise of Mallorca in the Mediterranean, abandon$ing me to the cold deprivations of the inhospitable wastelands of Washington state. She’s also taken my advice and made her own blog, which you should read because this post is going to be a direct response to her first post. First of all, though, some background.

Hali is, without a doubt, the best friend I’ve ever had and one of the most unique people I’ve met.

In Mary Tyler Moore, an ancient television show my mother made me watch, the main character Mary has a friend called Murray. Many times Murray comments that he thinks everything Mary does is terrific, and it’s my firm belief that everyone needs a friend like that. Of course we need people to help us keep our perspectives, and give us constructive criticisms, but everyone needs that one friend that will support you no matter what. Someone that will help you bury the bodies.

That’s what Hali’s done for me. When I was struggling in community college, she kept on supporting my efforts to find other schools to go to. When my replacement school kicked me out, she never doubted that I’d find a better school. Currently I’m endeavoring to enter the Royal Veterinary College in London, England, as well as attempting to start up a freelance writing business (hoping at least one of the two work out). Hali thinks I’m capable of doing both, and that’s what makes her grand.

So anyway, as you can see from her first blog post, things haven’t exactly gone according to plan. Those stuffy Brits apparently don’t allow pets on their airplanes, and she was forced to leave behind her adorable new puppy Wiig behind. In her blog she goes into a bit of theology and her struggles with her faith. While I’m no expert on the subject, I’d like to give Hali some reassurance. To start with, in honor of MLK Jr. day, a quote:

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” –

Martin Luther King, Jr.

While I can’t really speak to your issues of faith, I can tell you that if people never faced any challenges, we’d never grow as people. Overcoming challenges, and more importantly, overcoming our mistakes, are what make us grow as people. If everything went exactly as we expected it, life would be just too boring to even bother dealing with. All the excitement and the adventures come from the unexpected.  So enjoy yourself, Hali! The incredible array of friends you have here at home will keep Wiig safe and entertained while you’re away! Enjoy Mallorca, and have an incredible adventure! And finally, one final quote:

“Keep away from people who belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”

– Mark Twain

You are one of those great people, Hali, and don’t you ever forget it!

Note: After writing this, I found that Hali is already feeling better and makes this post completely redundant. Some people have no consideration! (Just kidding, Hali! Glad you’re doing better!)