I’ve said a lot of goodbyes as I get ready to leave for my year abroad. Elderly dogs and relatives that I hope not to receive a late night phone call about, friends that won’t be the same when I return, siblings that will have projects and plays I won’t be able to attend. Goodbyes are hard and I feel hesitation to face them, but all that it has brought me so far is regret.
In 2021, my favourite band, Bleachers, released the song Stop Making This Hurt and it quickly became a favourite. But I didn’t really listen to the lyrics until recently. The chorus reads, “Stop making this hurt, say goodbye like you mean it.” It felt like it was calling me out. Stop hesitating, stop holding back, write that card, run back for that second hug, hold them tighter, buy the flowers, and say I love you over and over. Make sure they know you will miss them. Once I started acting on it, I haven’t looked back. As I move forward into this adventure that is bound to have plenty of goodbyes, I hope I keep listening, and keep saying goodbye like I mean it.
