Goodbyes

Goodbyes are an unavoidable part of life that I truly wish I could avoid. It is an unrealistic attitude to think how incredible it would be to have your circle of acquaintances that stayed within feasible range for one's entire lifetime. Of course, if that were the case ... we would miss out on so many wonderful new adventures, opportunities and beautiful friendships from across the globe; and we would most likely become stagnant and not even recognize it. So goodbyes are inevitable, painful though they are, and imperative to help us grow. They enable us to recognize our sometimes lack of appreciation for those we cherish most in our lives. They help us face emotions we often attempt to safely tuck away in the deepest recesses of our hearts, and they help us grow as individuals.

In the last few months, I bade farewell to my eldest when he left to go overseas for a 3-month tour. I bade farewell to my daughter after she spent Spring Break with her brother and me before he left to boot camp. I bade farewell to my middle child as he left for camp. My final farewell (hopefully) for some time comes as my good friend leaves to return London after a 3-week stay during which time he offered encouraging emotional support as daughter and son went on their journeys.

The only thing I know for certain at this moment in time is that these special people have all touched my life in special ways. Each of them have their own lives apart from me, but I carry them in my heart always as I do several dear friends and family members. We sleep under the same stars at night and have the blessing of knowing God has us all covered with his protective umbrella.