Goodbyes Hurt

I spend my time concentrating on "how to" avoid goodbyes. To my knowledge, they are necessary evils that are truly unavoidable. No matter what. All good things must come to an end. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Insert any cliche you may have here...the reality...of reality...hurts. Goodbyes are too final. They bring an end to a most enjoyable experience without regret. Byes...stab our hearts, injure our souls, and make our tear-ducts work overtime. I have even trademarked my own style (to sidestep the separation anxiety). I use a tear-filled peace sign accompanied by a "see you soon."

Today, was my last day, of a week long adventure. It was filled with uncontrollable laughter, loving hugs, words of encouragement, and plain-old-fun. I was honored to be surrounded by a dysfunctional family that excepted me as their own. Many enlightened characters bonded together, forming a safe haven of mutual respect. We entertained, cooked, and played-off one another all week long. We had returned to our youth. The Evergreen Resort in Philips, Wisconsin; our playground. Stress, worries, and our own realities were abandoned at the entrance. For seven whole days: times, dates, responsibilities, and bad karmas were nonexistent. Relaxation, peaceful feelings, and love encapsulated us all.

Saying farewell; torturous. I began worrying last night. The special bonds that were formed--were about to separate. The members of the families are spread from New Jersey to Oklahoma. Keeping close contact is one thing, having your support system ripped apart; a whole other ball game. Will I have the strength to make it back to my reality? Why do such great experiences have to end so harshly? Do my two young angels feel the hurt?

To all of you, I give my sincere "thank yous." It is you who makes me a better person, lifts my heart, and carries my baggage. Without needing to ask, you held my hands while I cried and wrapped your arms around my weakened body; stopping my knees from trembling. Together, we are a village of caretakers. United, we overcome the unimaginable. As a unit, we fight until victory is upon our doorsteps. This reunion was all about you.

We are no longer acquaintances; we are a tight-knit group of soldiers marching to our own beats. One of us is departing, in November, to fulfill a patriotic calling. We are forming a protective wall of prayers and strategic moves. We will become his front-line defensive coordinators. We shall absorb any negative energies and fill his ammunition boxes with positive vibes. We are one.

How do you say goodbye to yourself? At departure time, we loose pieces of ourselves. Those precious fragments can not be replaced. You have to hold on till the next reunion, keep in contact, and await for the day when togetherness makes you whole--once more. Tears are inevitable. Anxiety is the dark cloud that looms overhead. Sadness numbs our minds and wounds our hearts. How can you put that into words? The words we struggle to capture, out of our racing minds, just may be our last...they need to be perfect. Funny, it isn't the words that the other's hear...it is our loving arms they feel--that counts the most.

Jim--you are a true individual with a loving heart and excellent ribs.
Jane--your grace and peaceful Aura mends our hearts.
Joni--you are God's servant--leading lost souls home--thank you.
Cal--your intuitiveness captivates.
Tina--your quick wit nature and energy levels refuels ours.
Jeff--you were are entertainment..just kidding..you keep our mind's fully tweaked.
Jake and Danielle--your humbleness reminds us to practice our own.
Jack--you are our guide--the wisdom is inspiring.
Marlys--your watchful eyes keep us grounded.
Dale--your presence overwhelmed us all--we miss you.
Terry--you are the spontaneous attitude that took us to fun and new places.
Todd--your kindness and acceptance is unmatched and gives us a target to shoot for.
Jon, Sadie, and Baby--your connection with natures gifts captivates.
Tami and Clint--your ability to share life's pleasures gives us food for thought.
Glenn--you have a magnetic personality and the positive vibes you exude give us strength and comfort.
Troy--your spirit held us tight and gave us courage--we miss you.
Steve--your resourcefulness us unbelievable.
Mike and family--you are the best hosts anyone could ask for, and good friends.
Travis--you are a young boy with high aspirations and an unmatched work ethic...keep it up.
All our Angels (our children)--your playfulness and purity brings us joy and pride hourly.
All our Animals--your behaviors and patience levels were fantastic..good boys and good girls.
All our Heavenly Ancestors--it is to you we owe our thanks as we strive to become your shadows.