Why does saying goodbye have to be so hard? Recently, I have been preparing to say goodbye to my family, friends, coworkers, and the places that have had a significant impact on my life. The idea seems so foreign to me. I have said "see you later" many times before, but saying "goodbye" is different. In a way, more permanent. How do you tell someone whom you have had amazing experiences with goodbye forever? "Have a nice life." "I'll probably never see you again, but its been real."? I guess I don't know what I'll say when the time arrives. Maybe my tears will say it all for me.
Will I ever return here? Will I ever come back to Holland, Michigan? Holland Hospital? Or Hope College? Realistically, I probably won't come back. I'll just end up moving on, leaving behind mere footprints of my short existence here. The though of never coming back makes saying goodbye all the more difficult. Thought's of the people I am leaving behind seem to infect my mind each day. Being secure in my masculinity, I feel safe saying my eyes have not been entirely dry lately. Thoughts of leaving my church and my christian family behind are especially difficult. I can't believe I will be saying goodbye to Grace Harvest Bible Chapel tomorrow. Saying goodbye to pastor Ken, who has literally help change my walk with Christ, and to the people I worship with each Sunday. Saying goodbye to an aspect of my religious life is one of the hardest parts of this journey so far. 
Recently, a good friend suggested I go to all of the places that have had an impact on my life over the last 5 years, for one last visit. So I started with food.
Specifically, my favorite restaurants. I then branched out to my favorite places in Holland, including the beach and downtown. Still on the list are Hope College and Centennial Park, which I am saving for last. Since I will be leaving right before the tulips bloom (a classic sign of spring in Holland, MI), I will miss out on my last tulip time festival. Holland is covered in fields of tulips and wooden shoes. Perhaps I will go to the local wooden shoe factory before I leave and get a pair for myself. It may sound pointless, but tulips, windmills, and wooden shoes make up a significant portion of my Holland experience. So not experiencing these events again, is rather unfortunate. However, leaving things behind like piles of snow and drifts that make getting around nearly impossible, are a relief to say the least. The photo of the door and snow drift on the lower right was just this last winter (Winter of 2010). Shortly after this photo was taken, I decided to leave Michigan forever (January 2011).
Now, as I prepare to drive away from Holland in the next 10 days, I prepare to say goodbye to everyone and everything that has made my life absolutely amazing. I will never forget the people and places I have encountered and I will never forget where I came from. For me, Michigan is more than just a "pleasant peninsula." Michigan will always be my "home." "Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice".
As I prepare to say goodbye to my life in Michigan, I prepare to greet my new life in WA. :D
I can't wait!
Final Thoughts: The vote is in (albeit small in volume). The voters agree, I should get an iPad 2 after I move (60% agree)! Only one person thought I should get an iPad 2 before I left, and only one thought I should not get one at all. That latter person is lame.
Please Vote in the upper right hand corner of my blog!! I put up a new item to vote on each week. Also, please share your thoughts and opinions below!! I cant wait to hear what you all think! :D
it will not be goodbye forever unless you let it. we have stayed in touch for the past two years and you will do that with other people in your life. and because it meant so much to you of course you will go back. probably alot less frequently then you are used to- but you finally get to experience what every college grad does when they say goodbye to their college town. facing all of the memories and connections you have made and learning to say goodbye. you have had the privelge of staying longer than most people do :) now get your butt out here!!
ReplyDeleteIt was great seeing you this weekend Brent! Looking forward to hearing about your life in WA. I think after this weekend, you choice to get an iPad was sealed haha.
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