I can still picture Julie Andrews, with outstretched arms, twirling on a hilltop field. That will always be my immediate mental association with the film, The Sound of Music. But my mind wanders to a later scene in that same film. The Von Trapp family was on stage in their hometown, singing their closing number. “So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye…” There are ever so many ways to say, “Goodbye.” And so it should be easy, but it’s actually very hard to do.
I had a grandfather, who was known for finding it difficult to part company with loved ones. It wasn’t so much what he said or the way he said it. It was what he didn’t say. When it was time to leave from a visit to his house, he’d invariably slip away from where everyone was gathered to prepare to leave. Everyone knew where he was, and so we’d go to find him. He’d always be found standing at the kitchen sink; washing dishes whether they needed it or not. It’s not that he didn’t care, but that he cared so much. It hurt him to see loved ones part company, and so he’d try to distract himself by engaging in his routine, mundane ritual of busy work. I think it helped him not to cry, and retired army colonels weren’t supposed to cry.
I was chatting with a dear friend in the parish recently. We were talking about my departure. And she said, “Let’s not say ‘Goodbye.’ Let’s say, ‘a bientot.’” In French that means, “See you soon!”
It’s hard for me to say goodbye to you because I feel so close to so many at St. Paul’s. I want to thank you for all your kindnesses to me and my family over the years. I’ll miss you and feel love for so many of you. I’ll see you around, but I won’t be in the same sort of relationship with you. But I will carry you in my thoughts, my prayers and my heart.
On a certain level, in Christ, we never actually leave each other. During our last Ministry Discernment Team meeting we were discussing the Gospel passage in which Jesus prayed for us, “May they be completely one as we are one (Father).” We talked about the fact that we’re spiritually united with other Christians in our very being – whether we feel it and are aware of it or not. So, if you stop to think about it, since we share the same Spirit – living within us – we’ll always be connected. And more than that we’ll be together forever in eternity after this life ends. So we’ll certainly see each other around and forever. Yikes! I guess that’s why St. Paul wrote, “Insofar as it depends upon you live at peace with all people.” Peace to one and all!
I assure you that I will keep you in my love and prayers. A Bientot!
Most affectionately in Christ,
Phil +