Saying goodbye is unavoidable. Heck, it’s a part of life that you do every day. When you leave the house each morning, you say goodbye to your parents, your siblings, your children—whoever it may be. These are the small goodbyes that we have gotten accustomed to experiencing. However, even though these goodbyes may be small in meaning and seem to be an everyday task, they are still hard to accept.
The bigger goodbyes are the ones that will never be easy, no matter what tactic you try. For example, saying goodbye to a loved one who has passed away. Saying goodbye to a friend at an airport as you both go your separate ways. Saying goodbye to a past relationship or a broken friendship. Or simply saying goodbye when you are forced to leave the person that means the world to you.
These are the goodbyes that cut the deepest, but the worst part is not when the goodbye is physically taking place—it’s afterward. It’s the feeling of heartbreak and sense of loss that slowly starts to kick your brain into gear. This takes place when you begin thinking about the person you are leaving and all the memories you’ve shared together. The act of saying goodbye turns from only a physical interaction to a powerful lasting sorrow.
You may now be asking yourself, “Well, why is it so hard to say goodbye even when I prepare my mind for the event?” For me, there is a clear-cut reason as to why it’s so hard for people. Remember, when you have to say goodbye to someone, it is usually because you care for that person and will not see that person for a long period of time. Clearly this individual is someone who has impacted your life in some way or another—whether it's a parent, sibling, grandparent, friend or ex-friend, girlfriend or boyfriend, spouse or dog!
The reason saying goodbye will never be easy is because you are not only leaving that particular person; you are also leaving a part of yourself behind. You have given a piece of your heart to that person so when they leave you, it feels like a part of your heart and your own identity is also missing.
To all who have had to say goodbye to a spoiled relationship, remember that the empty space in your heart cannot be replaced right away. But with time, something or someone will come along to help fill the vacant spot.
To all who have lost a loved one, remember that they are not gone. Your memories and experiences you have spent together will last forever, and no one can take them from you.
To all who have to say goodbye to a friend or loved one for a long period of time, remember that your love and care for that person will bring you back together. However, when you will see that person again is entirely in your hands. If you truly love and care about that person, you will make the effort to see them again, no matter how far the distance is between you.
I’m not trying to tell you that saying goodbye will ever get easy. But with patience and understanding, that empty space in your heart can be replaced with other positive people and experiences. So until we meet again, my loved one, you will always have a piece of my heart.
