The Last Goodbye
Saying goodbye is probably the easiest and hardest thing anyone ever has to do. We often say goodbye because we are tired and want to go home and go to bed. We say goodbye because we have somewhere to be and must be off. We say goodbye for so many reasons, but it is hardest when we say goodbye when we have no choice. When it is the last goodbye, we hesitate. We hurt. We reflect. We like to talk about all sorts of "if only" and "I wish" sorts of things. But those aren't really the things we will remember. That last goodbye is all about the things we will remember. All the good times, all the fun, all the memories. We are not saying goodbye to those. We are saying goodbye for now, and we treat it as if it is the same as any other goodbye. But it isn't. This is a special goodbye. It is the last goodbye. There won't be anymore after this. We have to embrace what is and what was, and make that last goodbye something special. Make it another memory that will bring warmth to the heart on a cold day. Make it something that calms you in times of trouble. Don't make it sad. Going is sad. Goodbye doesn't have to be. Goodbye is just goodbye for now, and someday, somehow, I will see you again. I do not know when, but I know in my heart that I will. Goodbye is never forever. But it is goodbye for now, and the last time we will say goodbye. For this last goodbye, remember the days that made you happiest. Remember smiles. Remember laughter. Remember that it is not gone for good. It will remain in our hearts, and will remain there until we see those smiles and hear those laughs again. We just have to be patient, and hold on dearly to those memories. They live on inside all of us, and are passed along to those we meet. People never truly leave us. Not if we don't let them. We pass along those wise thoughts, funny jokes, and stories to the people in our lives. They in turn will pass them along. And the people we are saying goodbye to will live on forever. No matter how painful that last goodbye is, remember that it is just the first step in recognizing that they have not gone away, but have become something new. Raise your head high, laugh, cry, and remember. The love we carry for them in our hearts will never fade. It will shine like a beacon on a hill. Let that light shine, and that light will be reflected, and that memory will carry on. Like most things in life, it is easier said than done. But those things that are the hardest are also the most rewarding. And remember this most important thing: you are never alone. Say goodbye, but don't forget to keep living, because the worst thing you can do is lose someone inside your heart.
For those who have gone before me, those who know me now, and those that will be here when I am long gone.
Cameron D. St.Michael
Endowed in 2010, the L. Joyce Taylor Memorial Scholarship was created by Pete and Gretchen Taylor to honor Pete's sister Joyce, who overcame a number of obstacles to become an inspiring teacher. The scholarship will be given for the first time in the spring of 2012 to Eastern Illinois University student teachers to help offset the significant costs associated with the student teaching semester.
To donate towards this scholarship, you may click on the "Donate" button below.
If you would like to send a check, please make it payable to the EIU Foundation and note "L Joyce Taylor Scholarship" in the memo line. Please send the check to:
Eastern Illinois University
c/o Mary Bower
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston IL 61920
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