Bon Voyage to a Friend

Dear Friend,
I have been thinking about your pending departure for foreign shores all week. I am sorry that this Global World in which we live has diminished this momentous occasion. In another time there would have been steamer trunks and a last glass of champagne together on board a great liner before the stewards escorted the non-travelers ashore.
In our way, maybe we have had that, after all. We have certainly journeyed together through these years since we first met. We have never been deprived of champagne, nor lacked reasons or excuses to share a glass or two. You are the only person, other than The French Artist who was at both our wedding and that of our daughter, more than two decades later.
You were the chronicler of images before they went digital; so annoying with the camera, but so appreciated in hindsight. What's even more valued is having someone who can picture our common past experiences in her head, no photos or explanations required.
I am confident we will see more images as you join your new "life in progress". We'll be visiting soon enough to see for ourselves your impact on the local culture.
No Regrets!
Bon Voyage