Maybe next summer?

So I invited an old friend from high school to dinner recently, my treat....and I'm not cheap. I could of guaranteed and appetizer and a good cut of steak. ;)  Anyway, the friend got back to me tonight and said that he switched jobs and was no longer working in the State.  He did report that he may be back in Utah next summer and suggested we get together then.  As a woman I was not sure how to take this.  I know for the man, it was cut and dry (I don't live here anymore, thanks for the invitation).  But for me, it opened up new wounds.  Am I really at the age where my dates are scheduled and set by seasons?  I remember listening to adults when I was a small child and they would make plans to see each other at the next reunion, or Christmas and I always thought that was so sad.  Is it a natural progression of life, or because I have crossed the threshold of 40, am I doomed to be single and available next summer?