Last week I joined my work colleagues to say farewell to a long-time employee who is retiring and moving away. During the reception I noticed the similarities to Nick's funeral. I’m standing in a receiving line, where hugs are offered, while a picture slide show runs in the background, and flowers adorn the side tables. As I sit on the side of the room listening to colleagues offer tearful, heartfelt messages, I grow uneasy, a rising panic. It catches me off guard and I feel like shouting, "She isn’t dead. She’s only moving to Austin. You can talk to her. You can visit her.” It's not the same. I understand how they will miss her closeness and camaraderie, because she will no longer be a major part of their daily lives. It's so wonderful that they made this opportunity to tell their friend how much they value her to her face . To acknowledge her impact on their lives in the witness of her family, co-workers, and colleagues. We all need to take more time in our live