Hardest post I've ever had to write here. For once, I don't have the words handy. I've been chewing over what to write ever since you posted, and it's been impossible. There's too much to say, too many good times to recall, such a long journey we've been on together over the years. Can't possibly hope to do justice to it all here in one 'TBJ Special'.
All I can say is that I know why you've decided to leave, and I understand completely. As well as being very, very sad, I am also filled with hope, and really pleased that you're in a good place and making a really smart life call. I hope with every ounce of my being that it works out as you want, and I'm sure that it will. Enjoy your new-found romance, make hay while the sun shines, paint the town red, and do all that shit that makes life fun before you turn forty! Trust me - you only get one bite at the cherry, so make it a fucking great big one, and enjoy every moment.
Worst case, when you're a sad old fuck like me at the sunset end of things, you'll still find us here, I hope, and you can RP in your retirement and pretend you know what 'yoof of today' is on about half the time, and be dissed for being old the rest of it. The show ain't over till the obesity-challenged person of unimportant gender sings, as they say these days.
Thank you for everything you did to set this place up in the way that meant it's still here, seven years down the road. Don't be too far away, and make sure you keep DMing me with tales from the Wilco journey.
But that said... you know I feel like this right now, and will do for many more days:
Bon voyage, my friend.
Travel safe, and may the road rise with you.
x