‘Tis strange indeed when on our own we surmise
The workings of a universe that intertwined both our lives
And with our life’s threads wove a friendship so great,
Then tears us asunder at the hands of sweet fate.

Within both our lives a common part has been shared:
The part that says each of us, for the other cared.
And in caring and loving, such a friendship was made,
That no distance can take away, nor time separate.

Though you may leave, and put many miles between us
I’ll turn to my memory and your smile will be there.
You may no longer see me, but I’ll always remain
Happy in the knowledge that you’ll always care.

So to your new life in such an unimaginable land,
I’ll send you with fervor, for I do understand:
I know times and places always must change
And for the growth of both of us, we must rearrange.

No friendship can be lost in the course of such growth,
Though friends may take leave doing what’s best for both,
And while growing and living apart from each other,
That friendship grows stronger as ties stretch out farther.

On to your new life I send you with blessings
And I won’t quite be complete, after we part.
Though I’ll no longer see you, you’ll always have
That missing piece of me held tight in your heart.

With separate lives we both must continue,
So stay happy with the love and memories I bring you.
Should devil despondency or sadness creep in
Merely turn to this page instead of wry weeping.

For this page alone is filled with love more
Than ever two friends could have shared before.
Nor ever may two friends share this again
For what’s woven is ours ’till far beyond this life’s end.

No farewells for the old life, for you or for me,
Fear not, dear Victoria, at the loss of this friend,
But welcome the growth that the future will bring,
Knowing our friendship is ours far beyond any end.