“No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth.”
~Robert Southey~
The past few weeks have been very busy. We have packed our apartment, moved my father down to Abilene, TX, visited my grandparents in Kansas, and then went to Carlsbad to see Kendra’s grandparents. In addition we have been saying our goodbyes to our friends and family. I have really struggled with this. All of the emotions that I have been feeling are so overwhelming. Saying goodbye is so difficult.
When I am uncomfortable or nervous about something my natural reaction is to by silly or funny. I met with some of my friends (Adam, Abby, Lauren, and Lezlie) at “All about Cha” to say goodbye. We had such a wonderful conversation, but when it was time to say those words I had trouble finding the correct way to tell them what I was thinking. I started making jokes or laughing when I needed to be saying what I was feeling. After some failed attempts I finally managed to say the right thing.
Family is another thing altogether. On August 24, 2010 my grandfather, who has been fighting cancer for several months now, passed away. Fortunately, Kendra and I had a chance to spend a week with him in Kansas. One of those days we sat outside and laughed and talked about some of our memories together. We remembered the guys’ nights when we would go to the Cavs basketball games (Oklahoma City’s CBA basketball team before the Thunder) and racing radio-controlled cars that we built.
Goodbyes are hard. Whether you are in control of them because you are moving away, or they are out of your control because a loved one is sick and they pass away. I guess I am just thankful for everyone that God has blessed me with, that have shaped who I am and played a role in my life. That I therefore have goodbyes to say.
Joel
Goodbyes truly are difficult! No matter if you're the one leaving or the one being left. It's heart wrenching, sad, difficult and so much more. But where there are goodbyes there are also hellos! Not just the ones you will be saying when you come to Germany, but one day to those you have left behind. Hang in there and be faithful that God will watch over those you are leaving! love, karen
ReplyDeleteWell put, Karen. Good-byes are very hard and like you, Joel, I'm just not good at putting mine into words. But you're right in pointing out that God has blessed you with people to say "good-bye" to--and as Karen said, people to say "hello" to!
ReplyDelete-Bri
I'm praying for you in this process of saying goodbye. I'm sorry to hear about your grandpa. We are thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Joel. We did the same thing about seven months ahead of you, so I can relate. How is culture shock and adjustment going?
ReplyDelete