February 2025 marks my seven year anniversary of writing these articles for Cleveland Country Magazine. I never know when an idea may trigger my mind to think “that would be a great subject for an article” and this month is no exception. While scrolling through social media, I came upon a thought-provoking observation about the drift in friendship. As I read it, I realized that it succinctly described my feelings regarding people I have met through line dance and how, since I’m no longer teaching, I’m disconnected from them and that part of my past life.
Unfortunately, I don’t know who wrote it; however, others online shared their thanks for the heartfelt words. Relating to my experiences, here are the parts that I would like to include:
“There’s nothing wrong with you for losing touch, there’s nothing bad or disloyal about growing apart. It’s a natural part of life. Your paths were side by side, and at some point they reached a fork in the road. They stayed in their lane, and you stayed in yours. There are no hard feelings, no wishing of anything, but well, it’s just life. Shake off the guilt, let go of the shame, release the questions. Let’s normalize the drift. Let’s normalize cheering on the friends we’ve lost touch with from a distance. Let’s normalize being completely for someone without being in their life anymore. That friendship, it mattered, and losing touch doesn’t detract from that one tiny bit. Some friendships are for seasons, and some are for the long haul. Both are precious. Celebrate the friendships you have now, and be open to the ones coming; life is full of surprises, and your path is exactly where you belong.”
After over thirty years of teaching line dance to hundreds of people at many different locations, I have lost touch with mostly all of my former students, with the exception of some chosen friends. The line dance teachers who I taught with, subbed for, danced alongside, and gave advice to have all continued their classes. A few former teachers who took some time off have returned to resume their classes, and a number of students have become teachers. In some instances, they have achieved success in venues where I previously taught and other places I always wanted to teach. I have accepted the drift and moved on.
I may be a writer, but I’ll never be able to find the words to express how much writing for CCM has enlightened my life. I will continue to write here for as long as my wonderful editor accepts my articles; however, we’ve come to an understanding that a month (or two or more) may pass in between my submissions.
Dori Yez will occasionally write future articles, depending on whose paths she crosses!
