Goodbye.

Just two syllables, but so many meanings. So many feelings.

I think we are all afraid of goodbyes. I think we are all afraid of the permanence we attach to goodbyes.

I think we are all afraid that “goodbye” will leave us lonely.

And most of all, I think we are afraid of forgetting, afraid of moving on.

But goodbyes are not as powerful as we think. Goodbyes are endings, but they are only endings in the physical sense.

Goodbyes don’t have the power to erase what happened. They don’t have the strength to wash away memories or to steal heartwarming experiences. Goodbyes are only what we give them the power to be.

Sometimes hellos last for years. Sometimes people come and stay, and they become your life. But sometimes people come and go. They are just visitors in your story. They come into your life for only a season, and when the season changes, it is time for them to go. But during this very special season, they were exactly what you needed.

Goodbyes are bittersweet.

Sometimes goodbye means that your days may be filled with missing someone.
Sometimes goodbye leaves you heart stinging or aching.
Sometimes goodbye means nights filled with insomnia and a mind filled with wandering thoughts and what-ifs.

But sometimes goodbye means that you are lucky.
Sometimes it means that you parted ways with someone or something that was irreplaceably special. Sometimes it means that your heart was touched by another heart in the most beautiful way.

Sometimes you have to say goodbye to a person who you thought you had more time with.
Sometimes you have to say goodbye to a place that you may never return to.
Sometimes you have to say goodbye to who you are at this very moment in time, knowing that you will never be her again.

Goodbyes are endings. But they do not end memories.

You will never forget the echoing belly laughs or the warm embracing hugs. You will never forget the side smile or the feeling that enveloped you when you met his eyes. You will never forget the beautiful moments you spent at your family’s old beach house, playing cards on the porch. You will never forget how special that one person made you feel. You will never forget how special you made that one person feel.

You will never forget the moments you loved or the moments you were loved.

Goodbyes are endings, but memories stay. Feelings last.

Goodbyes are endings. But moments? Those loving, enchanting moments…they are never ending.

They are invincible.