Saying Goodbye

I've always pondered goodbyes. They fascinate me simply because there are thousands of ways to conduct (or refuse to conduct) them. I have always been a big goodbye-er because I hate the thought of losing someone close to me and never having the chance to say it. It took living in a van in Jackson Hole to understand that everyone says "goodbye" differently. Not everyone feels the need for formal goodbyes, and some avoid them completely. Sometimes I feel like it's obligatory and a little fake...

You say "let's keep in touch," but we both know we won't. I say, "I'll call you for lunch next week," but I never will, because it would probably feel out of order. You say, "your presence has meant so much to me. The time we spent together was wonderful and you will be missed," but I know you're choosing to forget the time I parked in your spot, stood you up, and forgot your birthday, as well as the time you ratted me out, glorified my blunder and ate my lunch. Then again, so am I. I'll decide right now to look back happy that we met and shared the memories, but it's time to move on. Like the East Wind that carried Vianne Rocher and her little girl (Chocolat, 2000) from town to town, something just says, "it's time to go." And we go because there's more to see, smell, hear, taste, and touch; there are new people to influence and be influenced by. There's something new to learn and someone new to teach. There's a whole world to be experienced, and it can only be done by saying goodbye to old, to make room for new. It's a beautiful cycle because even after we move on, it's the memories of those to whom we say goodbye, that later remind us of that part of our lives and the lessons we learned.

It was time to leave Metalcraft and the friends I met there. I am grateful for that short, but very important part of my life. Not only did I learn so very much, but getting hired there was an answer to a prayer. I was unemployed and literally on my last dollar. The job was perfect for the time, but I was so glad to move on. I love my new job and I'm very excited to learn and teach and grow. Here's to the next wonderful stage of my very exciting life!