Today I say goodbye to a couple of Japanese kids that I've been tutoring for two years. I like goodbyes. They are like death without the mess. Not that I like death or anything, it's just that in death, it's more bitter than sweet. With goodbyes, you can wish one well and promise to keep in touch. I still receive letters from past students (Kuwait, Japan, Poland and Spain) who inform me of their lives after Montreal.
Goodbyes are like the final bow on an xmas gift. Goodbyes make room for new Hellos.
I cherish them.
17 comments:
interesting perspective. I have never thought of them that way.
The only way to have death without a mess for real would be not to ever care for anybody. I know you are a gentle caring soul. Torn, the children you tutor are so lucky. I am sure they will never forget your kindness.
"Goodbyes make room for new hellos."
Well, that explains the whole thing. I'm not a big fan of new hellos, so no wonder I hate saying goodbye!
Oh gosh...I never knew this about you. Goodbyes for me are awful. I sometimes just disappear when they are about to happen, just to avoid them. Childish and selfish of me, I know... but the tears and sniffling I do when I have to say goodbye to someone are sometimes worse.
I do prefer to be the one leaving though, rather than the one being left behind. That's happened far too much in my life.
Hmm... a relatively morbid thought.
Perhaps it's because of Monday?
And I am sure you have them prepared to meet the challenges of whatever faces them!
It's always been a painful tug to watch new friends, great connections walk away to new adventures and lives. But I've got plenty of goodbyes of my own. It really doesn't feel like I said goodbye at all.
Hugs,
kb
[that's mainly because I'm wearing their underpants]
Great way of looking at things!
Great reason to read your blog!
I suppose your profession has fostered this point of view. I wish I could feel the same way when someone leaves my life.
i detest goodbyes and i'm wary of hellos.
can you tell that i am not a big fan of change?
Wow. You're made of tougher stuff than I am.
As a theatrical designer, the question I am most often asked is: Doesn't it just kill you that after all your hard work, when the run of the show is over your scenery is broken up and taken away?
I always say: No, because that just clears the stage for another mgreat collaboration on another interesting piece of material.
So, I know exactly what you mean about good-byes.
I totally agree. What a great viewpoint. It's the sign of a truly gifted teacher. Just 1 more reason to read your blog. Kudos.
There's actually a very cool song entitled "Every Goodbye Is Hello" from a show called "john & jen."
You can catch a sample of it here:
http://www.amazon.com/John-Jen-Original-Cast-Recording/dp/B0000014Y5
#19
Why wont you teach them anymore?
Are they leaving?
Have you taught them everything?
If your goodbyes for new hellos is in regards to the time they were taking will be replaced by new students, then I understand your way of thinking.
I don't need goodbyes to accept new hellos. And goodbye is not always replaced by new hellos.
I never thought of it that way.
Interesting.
After I read the title, I thought you had buried someone in your backyard.
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