I really hate Goodbyes

I hate using the word *hate* -- I think it's too strong, too harsh of a word to use in everyday language in describing things we find displeasing.  There are so many other words in the English dictionary we can use in it's place to more accurately detail those thoughts, but today, this is the word I am choosing to reflect how I am feeling.  I hate goodbyes.

Lets rewind the story and start from the beginning so that perhaps I can express the loss I am feeling today.

In 2003 I met a wonderful lady named Joy; she joined our CGOA Chapter and I thought the world of her.  (I still do!)  A few months later she revealed she was opening her own yarn shop with her husband, John, and inquired if I'd be interested in being their Crochet Teacher.  I was honored! 

She'd email me pictures of the store as they began the construction, and as they neared opening their doors.  In 2003, they did it.  They opened Knit Together, in Stamford, Connecticut.  A few months later I joined them as their Crochet Teacher teaching a variety of classes -- an enjoyment that continued on through the past four years until last week.  That was when they told me of their decision to close the shop; to go out of business.  I was in shock. Go out of business?

This afternoon I decided to stop in the store one last time; I knew they were all busy preparing for the big "inventory must go" sale, but I didn't mentally prepare myself.  What was I thinking? That business would be *normal?*  As I pulled into the parking lot I saw the windows covered with neon-green paper with 2 foot lettering "Going out of Business" -- wow; this is it.  They're really doing it, I thought. 

I walked around to the back entrance and went inside. Right then I knew, instantly, that I wouldn't be able to contain my sadness in the loss of this yarn shop; hooboy.  As I sadly said goodbye to the people I've gotten to know over the past four years, I looked around the store.  I recalled all the good times I've had there with the staff, and with my students -- and I am happy that I have these wonderful memories.  The shouts of joy when a student got a new technique or stitch; the cheers when projects were finished.  Going there every week was like going to visit family; maybe this is why I'm feeling the way I am.  I'm really going to miss the shop, and more so -- the people that gathered there.

So it's official; the store is closing. The big sale starts tomorrow and will continue until the walls are bare.  I doubt I'll go.  I really hate goodbyes, and I don't think I can go through it again.

To Joy, John and the staff: Thank you for four fantastic years.  I do hope our paths cross again.   I wish you all the best!
To my Students:  Thank you for inspiring me with all of your crochet triumphs!  I hope you continue in your passion for crochet, and perhaps to have you in my classes again in the future. 
Tags: knittogether.com, knit together, crochet, teacher, going out of business