The light at the end of the tunnel.
We've all heard that saying numerous times in life. Though it's often associated with death, I refuse to believe that. The journey through life is filled with tunnels that all have a light at the end, both good and not so much. Even college is a long tunnel with a light at the end, graduation. Unfortunately, this light has both good and bad. Sure, you're finally done with your school work and getting out into the real world, but it also means time for goodbye.
I've never been good with goodbye and try to avoid it at all costs. Just recently, I had to say goodbye to someone I truly cared about. That night ended with me crying myself to sleep over the thought of probably never seeing her again. I usually distance myself from everyone to try and make it easier to leave. Over time, I've found that this doesn't work in the long run.
The point of a true goodbye it to provide closure to both people. Without it, moving on is nearly impossible. Just like all good stories, closure is needed for the reader. Cliffhangers will drive you crazy. Even though it may not end the way you hoped it would, a clear end is better than the unknown. I've never afforded myself the comforts of closure, thus scaring myself with numerous unended stories. I attempted to provide myself with some closure the other day by drafting a letter and giving it to her but that backfired on account that she won't talk about it. I've yet to hear anything from her side; reasons and explanations behind it all.
Provide yourself with closure. Talk about whether you will stay in touch. Make some plans for the future to see them. If all else fails, just try to discuss why things are coming to an end the way they are. Either way, have some sort of talk. Don't try to do it over text, and definitely don't cling to the hope that things will just fall into place without talking. Sure, at times it will, but most of the time it leaves an open wound that won't heal. Scars are a reality of all our experiences. They teach us by reminding us of our past. An open wound, however, will continue to bleed and the more we fail to accept the past, the more infected the wound gets until it finally infects our lives.
So, as you approach graduation, remember all the good times you had. Remind yourself that this isn't the end of everything. Doors have to close in order for others to open. There is always light at the end of a tunnel. Though I may be having trouble finding it right now, I soon will. Once I do, I will look back upon my experiences as a blessing.
