When Brant and I were long-distance dating, we had to play the "hello-goodbye" game quite a bit. It was during that time we decided to stop using the term, "goodbye" when it was time for one of us to leave town again. We began saying, "see you later" because it helped us to stay in the mentality that this was not a final goodbye, but a short-lived parting, which made the departure slightly easier (at least mentally).
It is tonight that I decide to begin using this term again. But this time, it is with a huge hope that this will only be a "short-lived" parting, and not a final goodbye at all. We have reached the end of this chapter of our crazy adventure, and are about to embark on the next.
Tomorrow, I will drive to Bellevue to go into work one last time (for now). Although I am giddy with excitement to not have a 40 minute average one-way commute, I am dreading what awaits me. I will have to close my classroom and hand over the keys to someone else. I will have to say goodbye to students who I have made very special, unique relationships with. Most importantly, I have to say "see you later" to several colleagues who have become dear friends of mine. I am getting choked up just typing these words. I know I will stay in touch with a handful of them (probably those who are reading this blog :) ), and I will cherish that. I will also enjoy laughing out loud when I get a random email or two next year, venting about some school politic or new student/family that has just arrived, that I don't have to deal with. :) You know who you are. :)
On Saturday morning, we will bring in the moving truck, pack up our belongings, clean up our house, and drive out of our favorite city. Again, I become choked up just typing this. I could go on and on about what this city means to us, who we will be leaving, what memories we have made here... But if I do that, I am not helping myself to embrace the exciting change that is coming our way. I have to move forward, not hold on to the past. What we have here in Seattle will always be. We will maintain relationships, we will visit as often as we can (including this summer), and, God-willing, we will be back here in a few short years. I will make it. We will make it. Just you wait! There will be some posts on this blog in the months to come that will be pouring out with new, exciting memories and adventures! I look forward to that day.
So with a sigh, I say, "See you later, Seattle."
"...with a wink and a smile." (and a few teardrops). Jackie, I will miss you more than I can say. You were always coming in to visit and worrying if you were being impolite or uninvited or some other such nonsense. It's going to be a little lonely without you showing up. We've been so lucky to have you, professionally, and I've been so lucky to know you, friendishly! One of my favorite memories is the funny signs I put in your room, but most of all I will remember and miss the e-mail battles we sometimes had. I guess it's nice to know that you're only an e-mail away. Love you - Miss you! Kelly Nordstrom
ReplyDeleteThinking about you today and wondering what you are doing. I hope you have taken time to relax and put your feet up. I missed you at school today. Bev
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