We only part to meet again

As a traveller one thing that is a certainty is having to say goodbye. Saying goodbye does get easier but is never easy. We often meet people who will have a lasting effect on our lives, only to have them make a quick stop and then disappear again. Some of the most life changing experiences I have had have been with people who were in my life for a brief but intense period. Other people have a permanent place in your heart and as John Gay says "we only part to meet again".

There are many romantic notions about saying goodbye, only to meet again in some happy time in the future. These notions do not take into consideration the heartbreak and loss felt when actually going separate ways from people who are special. Goodbyes fill the heart with sorrow and a feeling of loss and it is seldom that looking towards seeing each other again provides much comfort.

Today I said goodbye to my parents, who are returning to South Africa while I stay in Europe. We perhaps see each other once or twice a year and those times are precious and treasured. However, the joy of seeing each other again is clouded by the sadness involved in having to say goodbye. There are so many joys and wonders in travelling but parting from those you love is a sacrifice that only time can heal.

     Why can't we get all the people together in the world that we really like                                                      and then just stay together?  I guess that wouldn't work.  Someone would leave.  Someone always leaves.  Then we would have to say good-bye.  I hate good-byes.  I know what I need.  I need more hellos.  ~Charles M. Schulz