Saying Goodbye

 Saying goodbye.  The action of those two words stir my spirit with dread.  My emotions struggle with the ache of letting go of people, places and things.  

People such as a college roommate I'll probably not see again.  Saying goodbye to parents or grandparents possibly for the last time.  Speaking by phone from my hospital bed to my critically husband in a hospital bed miles from me, telling him it's ok to go home to heaven now.  The goodbye hug to my sister after a wonderful week visit of laughter mixed with tearful memories.  Encouraging a longtime friend to return home to her family roots for loving support in this season of life.  Having grandkids away at college or pursuing their dreams long distance from my small world.  I remind myself that we grow them up to grow away.  It is the natural progression of life that becomes bittersweet.  

Saying goodbye to places  that change over time.  You cannot keep the past as the present because there would be no future.  Going home is not the same. Yet the familiarity prompts the memories that bring comfort and peace. 

Saying goodbye to things.  Cherishing sentimental treasures that track our life journey.  Sometimes passed on, kept in a drawer or displayed for daily viewing.  The things will eventually be left to others to decide if anyone will add these to their life journey.  

Saying goodbye encompasses various degrees of loss.  Heartache,  longing, emptiness, sadness, loneliness and finality.  

So I do not say goodbye to people.  I choose to part with the phrase, I will see you later.  It leaves hope for a reunion especially for those that believe in eternal life.  It keeps you looking forward to the future.  

I do not say goodbye to places because I may or may not be back  If I return, I will embrace all of the sameness tweaked  by  unexpected changes. 

I do not say goodbye to things.  I prefer to pursue a hello in new homes for special treasures.  It is satisfying to share and pass on meaningful gifts of memories.  

Saying goodbye can be redesigned into a positive feeling of hopeful anticipation.  So I'm sticking with it.  I will see you later.