“When the tears stream down your face and you are overwhelmed by the pain of saying goodbye, ask yourself, ‘Was the joy of knowing them worth the pain of leaving them?”
-Kym Rodda
About to enter month 7 of the race, I have met and said goodbye to hundreds of people. The constant fluctuations of people in my life has been a blessing and a curse. Each time I meet a new person, I have found myself getting into the habit of preparing myself for the goodbye long before it has ever come. I still keep in touch with people from home, Thailand, and now here in Costa Rica. It’s exhausting having so many long distance friendships, yet one of the coolest things ever.
A big thing about goodbyes are their value. Hard goodbyes mean you loved and were loved well. Hard goodbyes mean sweet memories. Hard goodbyes mean it was worth something. Saying goodbye means a future hello. It’s a sweet reunion. It’s the creation of a worldwide network of friends.
My squad had to say goodbye to a family this morning that has left such a sweet mark on us. They have been living with us for the past month on a vision trip to potentially move here full time. They have done life with us, taught us, laughed with us, listened to us. Saying goodbye was not easy, but as Kym reminded me this morning, we need to ask ourselves if the joy of knowing someone is worth the pain of losing them. And I think the answer is always yes. The joys of creating so many sweet friends is invaluable. It’s life changing and the most beautiful thing in the world. Goodbyes are not easy. I’m still terrible at them even at this point. But whether it’s saying goodbye to one of my squad mates or one of the locals I befriend, it is so so worth it.
