The hardest part of this move has been leaving our friends, our family and our community. We have been lucky to have many nice farewells, and it’s given me the chance to reflect on what goes into a “good” goodbye.
It is heart wrenching to see my boys upset about leaving their classmates, neighbors, and cousins. However, we have billed this move as an adventure – and it is! I am so grateful for the many ways the boys’ teachers and classmates gave them a send off that recognized both the hard part (leaving) and the fun part (new adventures). For us, the good goodbye was equal parts farewell, good luck, and keep in touch. It was each boy hearing affirmations about the person they have become from their friends, it was Tommy and me receiving recognition and thanks for work done, it was neighbors and relatives going out of their way to send us all on our way with a smile, a wave, a hug.
The other ingredient in a good goodbye? It’s not permanent – we get to return over the summer! We are all looking forward to seeing our friends and family again soon.
Great start, Jill!
An adventure, indeed! Until recently we’ve only heard of Hong Kong as a far away, semi-mythical place. Now we’ll have family there. You and the boys must keep us informed. We know it’ll be a chore for you all but we have to have contact. After all our vicarious adventure demands it. Tom will have to share as well.
So the adventure begins.
The CT Baxters are sad to see you go but we can’t wait to see and hear about all of the awesome adventures that you will have. We are grateful that we have all of this technology so we can stay in touch. When will you actually fly to Hong Kong?
Interesting point of view! I imagine that being on the other side of the goodbye twice now, you are an expert on the best way to see a family off as they move to a new location. What tips do you have for those of us on the “left behind” side?