Two instances of 'saying goodbye' came to the forefront today.
My pastor always writes an article in our church's monthly newsletter and this month's article was about saying goodbye. In less than two weeks, he and his wife will leave our congregation after an eleven-year pastorate. He discussed varying ways to say 'adieu' and the many reactions he has experienced as people and groups have bid him farewell.
The other instance of 'saying goodbye' came through a friend of my SO. The man has traveled into the area from another state and one of the 'things' he wanted to do, while here, was to visit a former co-worker who is suffering from an incurable disease and has not been given long to live. This friend of my SO's came into town but then decided he was not able to see his old friend in his current condition. He said he simply couldn't bring himself to 'say goodbye'.
Why is saying 'farewell' so difficult? Perhaps it is because, although we pledge to keep in touch, we instinctively realize that the reality is we will more than likely never see the other person again. No matter the promises we make, life does get in the way and other people and activities fill our lives in our new surroundings. Likewise for those we leave behind. Our place in our friends' hearts and minds becomes filled with fresh acquaintances as well.
It is a cycle of life, much like birth and death. We may feel as if we are irreplaceable but the reality is that we are not. We hopefully remain in the memories of those we leave behind but even memories dim from the passage of time.
There is a bittersweet quality to the word 'goodbye', whereas 'until we meet again' at least presents hope. I like that concept better. It is more comforting to think of being able to see someone again than to face the reality of never being in the presence of that friend or loved once more.
Until we meet again (or the next blog posting),
Ancora imparo
