“It’s not goodbye…It’s cya later”

“It’s not goodbye…it’s cya later.” It’s one of my favorite quotes from the movie “John Q.” I’d much rather say that than goodbye.

 

I’ve never been very “good” at saying “goodbye.” I don’t really find anything “good” about the “bye” part. In fact, when I was being interviewed for the Race and they asked me “what would be the hardest thing for you on Race?” I told them it would be meeting new people every month, building relationships and then having to say goodbye.

 

On Summer Project in 2005 I had to say goodbye to 27 strangers who became my family for 10 weeks. I cried. And although we still keep in touch, there are times when I wish could go back to those crazy summer days.

 

When I was living in Australia I called my mom crying at 4 am the day I was getting on the plane to come home and told her I was staying for an extra semester. I was surprised by her response (shut up, we miss you. You’re coming home. And then she hung up), but it was still hard to say goodbye to my new life, friends, and church in OZ.

Last May I had to say goodbye to the glamorous life of a college student. I took for granted the freedom and simplicity of that life. I didn’t realize how much I’d miss it when the reality of “the real world” hit hard.

I said goodbye to the family at my church and CPR. Over past five years a lot of these people have shaped me and showed me what love looks like.

 

A week ago I had to say goodbye to my best friend who I met on my first day of our freshman year of college. Our past four years together have been filled with laughter, tears, comforting, dating, breaking up, then dating him again (Corinne!), road trips, studying abroad… I couldn’t imagine college without her and I will miss her laughter next year.

 

I had to say goodbye to my job the Orioles- a job I thoroughly enjoyed with some very fun people. Growing up watching baseball, it was always a dream of mine to work for my hometown team and the past two years have been great.

 

I had to say goodbye to my family who I love. The people who have really supported me through everything and given me nearly every opportunity I’ve had in life.

 

So as I get on the plane this afternoon, I say goodbye to America. I say goodbye to comfort. I say goodbye to my rights and privileges. I said goodbye to the people who have shaped me for 22 years and to those who have loved me despite my failures. But even though it is hard, I thank God that I get the chance to say goodbye to you. That I’ve been lucky enough to have people who love me and experiences that have changed me. Thank you for being a part of my life.. I love you. 

And this is “not goodbye. It’s cya later.”