Hellos and Goodbyes

Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes.  Some hellos are passing encounters; some change us forever.  Some goodbyes are more “see you later” and some are forever goodbye. 

I’ve thought a lot lately about the hellos and goodbyes in my life. 

Today, I waved goodbye to my five year old as she left on her two-month vacation with her dad.  They were bubbling with excitement. 

I think about the times I say goodbye to my brother on the phone.  In his line of work, there is always that very small but distinct possibility that, well….  But that’s not something on which to dwell – it’s just there. 

I think about saying hello to new bosses and friends.  Who could have forseen the bond that would form between a girl six years my junior and myself almost three years ago?  She’s like my sister – I can’t imagine my life without her in it. 

I think about goodbyes that have broken my heart; the death of my grandparents, a failed marriage, disappointed hopes in later romances, etc…  Those kinds of goodbyes reveal the true character of a person.  It’s not always pretty but it’s always real. 

I’m exhausted.  I’m SO looking forward to melting off the face of the planet for a few days this weekend.  I’m going to turn my phone off and disappear for a couple of days.  I need it.