In my kind of work (agricultural research in an international setting), people come and go. Each project that begins will eventually come to an end. Like seasons and phases. Like day and night. It becomes a cycle. Nothing is permanent; everything is just so dynamic- like as it should be in research I guess. Like the earth’s revolving ‘round the sun…24/7…365.25 days a year.
Seven long years and I should have gotten used to this whole enchilada. But no. Every time I find myself in that valley of transition between each phase’s ending and another one’s beginning, some part of me wants to stop the hourglass and keep the sand from running. For each goodbye (be it from a boss, a colleague: long-term or short-term, a friend, a lover) they all took a piece of me and brought it all with them to wherever part of the world they’re supposed to be going. This then leaves me not really incomplete but somehow in pieces that even when put back together is never the same again. My heart both scarred and enriched, if that is even possible. Seven long years and I’ve never perfected the art of properly saying goodbye. I break into tears and I feel gloomy for days after. Maybe just a coincidence, but it’s always raining…at least in each of those important goodbyes. Like in the movies. Mother nature is just too sympathethic.
Anyway, in all those interludes, be it professional or personal…I believe I’ve always put my best foot forward, not to impress but in all sincerity that all relationships I’ve bridged with them all were taken with that extra mile of 100% pure, honest me and more. Without regrets and looking forward to doing it all over again; but with some fortification for better, heartwarming, never-to-be-forgotten kind of associations.
‘Till we meet again. Auf Wiedersehen. Sayonara.
Paalam…hanggang sa muli.