Katerini Sweethearts

I am so happy

for my friends George and Maria.

I’ve watched them grow

from fresh young faces,

to gray hairs

and a slower gentler pace.

For decades,

they have opened their doors,

served their community,

and shown up

again and again.

Today they’ve sold their business

the place they’ve poured

so many years of their lives into.

And so,

here’s to them.

To their dedication.

To their hard work.

To all the people

they have welcomed,

helped

and made feel at home.

The place I come to sit and write

will never feel quite the same.

There will be an empty space

where their familiar presence used to be,

and I know I will miss

seeing them there in the ordinary moments of my days.

And still,

I am so happy for them.

They deserve this freedom.

This space.

These slower days.

The time to breathe,

to wander,

to rest,

and to enjoy the life

they have spent so many years building.

But I’d be lying

if I said my heart wasn’t heavy, too.

Because sometimes

when someone we love

steps into a beautiful new chapter,

we realize that something beautiful

is ending for us, too.

I won’t see them everyday anymore.

And I will miss that.

So here’s to you

my sweet friends.

May this next chapter

be filled with slow mornings,

new adventures,

well earned rest,

and all the little joys

you’ve spent so many years

giving to others.

May it be

one of the very best chapters yet.

You’ve earned it.