On Saying Goodbye

          One of my friends who I got my certificate to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL) with sent me an e-mail this week and wanted to know how I felt. I had to pause for a moment because I have been so busy packing, preparing, and planning that I have (perhaps intentionally) pussyfooted around my feelings. What did I tell him? I told him I feel really, really excited; a tad nervous; a tad scatterbrained; and sometimes I feel sad about who and what I am leaving behind. 

            I have lived in the Florida Panhandle my whole life and being a Floridian, a northern Floridian, is part of who I am. I love traveling down to the Gulf’s numerous beaches from Mexico Beach to Seaside to St. George Island to Panama City Beach. I love tubing down the Chipola River, I love hiking in Torreya State Park and by Lake Talquin. I will miss places, and I will miss people. Ever since I have graduated in April I have been saying goodbye to my acquaintances, friends, and family. As a whole I take it in strides, but sometimes this process borders on being painful. Saying goodbye for a long time to those I love hurts.

            Most of my goodbyes have been very happy; some were in denial that I was actually leaving, a few teared up and started to cry which moved me deeply. I have yet to say my final goodbye to my parents and sister, and I am not sure I’m looking forward to that.

            Maybe goodbyes are always difficult no matter who you are or where you are from. I am sad about who and what I am leaving behind, but I am also excited about the new places and people that lay ahead. Wherever I go, though, my home comes with me in my heart.