Saying goodbye is never easy. It probably ranks high on our lists of “The Hardest Things I Have Ever Done”.
Everybody at one point in life has to say goodbye to someone. In the upcoming days, many parents will be saying goodbye to their children who are going to kindergarten for the first time. Others will be enduring the "monumental goodbye" given to their college bound child.
Last year, I left my youngest child at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI. To prolong the agony of saying goodbye, we opted to drive her from California to Rhode Island. The trip was quick as we had a “dorm move in deadline”. But the sights we saw, and the conversations we had, and funny little incidents that only happen on a “road trip” we will cherish forever.
All too soon, it was time to say “goodbye”. On the morning my husband and I drove off, I forced myself not to look back. I knew it was time for her to sprout her wings and fly. We had been preparing for this moment for 18 years. I trusted her, I was excited for her, yet, the ache in my heart was so intense I knew I would not be able to speak for awhile. So my husband and I exited the parking lot in silence. The weather seemed to somehow sense my mood, for as we travelled clouds began to form and eventually it began to rain. As I gazed out the passenger window, taking in the foreign sights of the east coast, soon calm began to blanket me, and I sighed… and words began to flow once again. (My husband probably would have liked the silence to remain a bit longer…haha)
I discovered goodbye’s make hello’s much more meaningful. Since that time, I cherish every “hello” whether it comes by a text message, email, phone call or anxiously looking through a crowded airport.
I have not found a way to ease the ache of departure, but I have unveiled a tidbit of profound truth. The phrase “Fare-thee-well” means a “state of perfection.” So as we stand in our parting moments, preparing ourselves to say goodbye, say “farewell”… “May you fare well”. Or even better, speak a passionate blessing of,” may your journey be a state of perfection…Fare-thee-well!
In a week, I am challenged again with yet another goodbye, she will be returning to college for her second year. Her journey is unfolding, some very distinctive changes have occurred, she has matured, she is making her mark on the world. So my blessing to you, Natalie..."may your journey be a state of perfection....Fare-the-well!"
As a parent: how have you handled saying goodbye?
Everybody at one point in life has to say goodbye to someone. In the upcoming days, many parents will be saying goodbye to their children who are going to kindergarten for the first time. Others will be enduring the "monumental goodbye" given to their college bound child.
Last year, I left my youngest child at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI. To prolong the agony of saying goodbye, we opted to drive her from California to Rhode Island. The trip was quick as we had a “dorm move in deadline”. But the sights we saw, and the conversations we had, and funny little incidents that only happen on a “road trip” we will cherish forever.
All too soon, it was time to say “goodbye”. On the morning my husband and I drove off, I forced myself not to look back. I knew it was time for her to sprout her wings and fly. We had been preparing for this moment for 18 years. I trusted her, I was excited for her, yet, the ache in my heart was so intense I knew I would not be able to speak for awhile. So my husband and I exited the parking lot in silence. The weather seemed to somehow sense my mood, for as we travelled clouds began to form and eventually it began to rain. As I gazed out the passenger window, taking in the foreign sights of the east coast, soon calm began to blanket me, and I sighed… and words began to flow once again. (My husband probably would have liked the silence to remain a bit longer…haha)
I discovered goodbye’s make hello’s much more meaningful. Since that time, I cherish every “hello” whether it comes by a text message, email, phone call or anxiously looking through a crowded airport.
I have not found a way to ease the ache of departure, but I have unveiled a tidbit of profound truth. The phrase “Fare-thee-well” means a “state of perfection.” So as we stand in our parting moments, preparing ourselves to say goodbye, say “farewell”… “May you fare well”. Or even better, speak a passionate blessing of,” may your journey be a state of perfection…Fare-thee-well!
In a week, I am challenged again with yet another goodbye, she will be returning to college for her second year. Her journey is unfolding, some very distinctive changes have occurred, she has matured, she is making her mark on the world. So my blessing to you, Natalie..."may your journey be a state of perfection....Fare-the-well!"
As a parent: how have you handled saying goodbye?