Saying goodbye?

In 41 days I leave this city. The goodbyes, I think, have begun. But have they? In this transitional period I am constantly reflecting on my friendships that I have made over the last four years. I have been fortunate enough to attend two beautiful weddings, and, as with every summer, so come the pool parties, movie nights, and other social events. With each one, I am looking around at the people I see and wondering what will come of the future.

Graduate school is, by its nature, transient. We all move to this small city knowing that in four or so years we will leave it again. We come not knowing anyone, yet we leave with special friendships. Unfortunately, we can't take those people with us to our new homes when we graduate and move on with life. It's what I call the necessary evil of this process.

My first event of the summer has now happened with people who wished me well with the next phase of my life; later this week, I say farewell to two other friends who are leaving for their own journey. I imagine the next 41 days will continue on this way until I drive away from this home and to my new one. Many of you reading this will say farewell to me during this time. So to you, and the others, I will be wondering-

What kind of goodbye is this?

Were you my friend on this stop on the journey, fading away over time?

Or,

Are you my friend for the whole journey, no matter where our paths take us?

Whatever the outcome, I thank my friends for the support, the fun, and the love. Every person made a difference to me.