Close-minded friends?

[ChasinJason1313]

So here it is. MY best friend lives a few hundred yards from me. I have known him for the past 8 years...the longest I have ever known anyone who is not family. He has lived in the same place his entire life and has no dreams of leaving. I have moved 14 times in 23 years of my life....Mind you, all 14 times were in So Cali, so I am not experienced in living in other parts of the world

Anyway, this buddy had a son about 9 months ago, I was going to be the godfather till a few things got in the way. I love his girlfriend, I've known her for 3 years, as long as he has, and they're a perfect match, as dysfunctional as they are.

Here it is though. They are both really bitter that I'm leaving on this trip and probably more after this trip. We have completely different views of the world and this is where the problem arises. I really would love to be there for my "nephew" as he grows up, but the reality is that I probably won't be. Even if I stayed in the country, it wouldn't be here.

I dunno what this post is really about. I guess I want to have my cake and eat it too. I know that in order to be happy in my life, I need to take care of myself and my dreams, but I have had it beaten into me to care about other people as much as I care about myself.

I don't expect any answers out of this post, I just wonder if someone has gone through something similar. What do we give up by leaving what we know and love at home?? Most of us are temporary travellers but I see this as a lifestyle, not a hobby.....I dunno, what do you think???