…these prompts are just getting better and better…

My prompt: … um BEES

…I fell asleep after getting home and now forget my first idea…

Um…

BEES

We are going to talk about bees (apparently).

Okay, okay. I am not going to make you suffer through my ADHD brain.

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Distance between us. How much is physical? What part is emotional?

Distance is difficult. Often far more emotionally distancing than physically distancing. When I was younger, the only option (even in town) was to date long-distance. We lived in rural Pennsylvania, and if you know anything about Appalachia – then you know what Western Pennsylvania is like. We may not have “hollers” or “moon pies”, but we do have “jaggerbush”, “a meer”, “gutchies”, and the lesser known “cruds” or “dippy”.

I learned yesterday that my Western PA town is located in an area of PA that has its own dialect! Western Pennsylvania English. Check it out, it’s interesting!

On topic. Essentially, this setting meant that regardless of where a person lived in our rural area, nearly everyone was experiencing a long-distance relationship of say 10 or more miles apart (16KM). While it might not seem like a lot – it was. We had hills, highways, backroads, weird people with angry dogs, coal buckets and wildlife. It wasn’t easy for us to get to each other if you weren’t right in town. In short, we all managed long-distance relationships to a point.

As a matter of fact, my ex-husband and I lived in separate school districts and really could only see each other on the weekends until he got his driver’s license. It was difficult for two newly-in-love teenagers. However, the past has only slightly prepared me for the future.

When I moved to Florida with my ex-husband, it was like every negative feeling melted with the warm and healing rays of the sun. I felt like I couldn’t be unhappy. I felt like this is where my soul was meant to be. I felt so at home, and so safe. I felt like I finally found a place that provided me with the right atmosphere and environment to flourish.

Don’t get me wrong, I was very ill. Very ill; however, it was so hard to feel so unwell with the beauty and sunlight. The environment kept me going, and I left my soul behind when I left the tarmac.

Not only did I leave my soul behind – but I also left something else. Someone else. I miss my friends, and the genuine connections I formed while living in paradise. One connection in particular has been extremely bothersome. The distance prevents progress, and I am afraid that the distance will eventually become a problem.

Distance is not the only downside. Distance can be harsh on connection. It is hard to keep up with old friends when you are unable to really see them and interact. There is something to be said about those that go the extra mile to remain in contact with you despite the amount of time that has passed.

We may be 1,018 miles apart (1638 KM), but we are there for each other regardless of the amount of distance.