Until We Meet Again

In most cases, goodbyes are inevitable.  They are a routine gesture used by many people to signify someone's absence.  Most of us recognize this signaling word as being either temporary or permanent.  This blog discusses my emotional journey of saying "goodbye" to the things and people who mattered most to me.

Saying goodbye is always such a difficult thing to do.  I personally don't like "goodbye," for the very reason that it sounds permanent.  I prefer the phrase, "until we meet again," because that sounds temporary and acknowledges that I have sincere intentions to meet again.  Among the hardest things to leave behind were my friends, co-workers, dog, and the house.  However, every circumstance and everyone in my journey has helped me become the stronger person that I am today,

Leaving my place of employment in MD was heart-wrenching for many reasons.  I felt like I had finally "made it" career-wise and loved selling, fixing, and handling jewelry.  I also had an excellent supervisor/"soul sister" who helped guide me in so many ways in the jewelry business and in the game of life.  In fact, if it hadn't been for her guidance and continuous support, I don't know how I would have managed in my difficult situation.  Other team members were equally as supportive, though, offering advice and optimism in the darkest of times.  This team was special, one of whom I still cannot forget.  Everyone had their own niche and was valuable to the team.  I will never forget the group dynamic and support I received.  To put it simply, I considered them my family.  They were an essential chapter of my life and personal growth and will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Leaving my dear friends was very emotional for me since I had developed such good friendships over the course of a year.  They loved me for who I was, I never had to pretend or apologize to them.  I learned from them that every relationship should have this kind of quality, not just friendships.  With the love and support I received from my friends, this led me to believe there is something better for me on the horizon, even if I didn't know where I was going at that time. I learned more from them than they will ever know and they provided me love in times I didn't know it existed.  They are always in my heart as I think of them often and stay in touch.

Leaving the house and my dog, Duke is still one of the hardest things I have dealt with.  To have worked so relentlessly to purchase the home of my dreams to suddenly leave was devastating.  Likewise, to have loved and cared so deeply for Duke and to have left with the memory of him whimpering was like a mother leaving her crying child.  I don't ever wish for anyone to experience anything like that.  Thankfully, though, Duke is now in a loving home with a family who socializes him daily.  In fact, he is a therapy dog.

I didn't share my story for sympathy, but rather to sort out my feelings that have been tucked away for awhile.  For those whom I never said goodbye to, I am deeply sorry.  I haven't forgotten you, and I haven't forgotten the regret.  

"The most painful goodbyes are the ones that are never said and never explained."  ~Anonymous

I have become the best version of myself and am amazed at my own strength, albeit it wasn't easy.  Every day is a challenge, but I dream of better days, and so far life has been full of wonderful surprises.  I see nothing but blue skies from here on out and look forward to the next chapter of my life.

At some point, I would like to reconnect with my "family."  The question of "when" remains a mystery, though.  All I can say at this point is that I look forward to meeting with you again..

"Goodbyes are not forever.  Goodbyes are not the end.  They simply mean I'll miss you, until we meet again!"  ~Anonymous