Community

I feel so very sad this afternoon. The weather is quite cool. It feels autumn, and I feel an ache in my whole being.
A sister in my community is leaving for her new community.
Since these days we are seeing so many changes in the composition of our community, our superior is motivating us about the beauty of our Salesian life, how, wherever we go, we find houses, homes, sisters. But it is not easy. Entering the door of a new house does not automatically mean entering the hearts of the people there. In much the same way, leaving a house doesn't make you automatically forget or "leave" the people, despite the tensions and frictions that may have been.
I actually wonder how true and sincere people are when they say, "Oh, when I left that community, I've cut all ties". Is it possible?
I cannot truthfully say that for myself, despite the experiences of pain, friction, misunderstanding, rejection, and yes, even competition.
And so I'll cry, and I'll let the ache in my heart penetrate my being, because I care. And that is what community is all about, isn't it?