Two good friends left for a new life in Chicago today, and I feel like my dog–who has long since passed–died all over. Although it’s been a mere few hours, and I joined them for breakfast before they piled into the Penskie truck, bound for Route 80, I miss them fiercely.

Back in college, a professor once made an offhand statement that at last made sense to me today. As people age. their friendships are less superficial, and more relationships of consequence. For no matter how close someone was with their fraternity brothers or sorority sisters, or high school buddies, odds are the friends they make and keep after graduation–the ones who matter–have far more influence on their life. Even if years pass between meetings.

So to Jamee and Mario: You both deserve all the success in the world, and best of luck with your move, your new jobs, your new life.

We will meet again.