“How did the rose ever open its heart
And give to this world all of its beauty?
It felt the encouragement of light against its being,
Otherwise we all remain too frightened.” – Hafiz
I said goodbye to my son today – which was, by far, the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. He’s leaving for his first year-long ‘next great adventure,’ traveling to a destination nearly half-way around this world.
My goodness, it’s never easy to say goodbye – now, is it? As I look to the sitting table, I see the roses he left behind – perfectly formed, with the most magnificent of blooms.
I’m reminded of the first bouquet he ever carried home for me. It was Mother’s Day, 1997 – and, I had just picked him up from day care.
“Mommy, look – I got for you!!” he shouted, breathless with delight. And, in his hands – a scrunched up, wet paper towel.
To the casual observer, it was just a matted up mess – but, to this Mom, there was no better feeling in this world.
And, now he’s grown – my goodness, how quickly the years have passed. I remember carrying him around in my ‘baby backpack’ – we were inseparable, he and I. No matter where I traveled, he was (quite literally) never too far behind.
But now is the day, I must learn to let him fly; having faith in my new place, within his heart.
We always wish the rose to bloom, and yet – when it does, we fear it will soon be ‘gone.’ But, the flower always returns in another form, my loves ~ and offering us all the greatest blessings of this earth.
As I watch my darling son turn to wave from the door, I can’t help but to appreciate the depth of this one simple truth.
“I’m so very proud of you sweetheart; thank you for helping me to find my purpose.
Safe travels, and please remember your promise, okay? As, I very much need you back ‘here’ someday.
Never too far, my darling ~ no further than my humble heart to yours.
Dream big, live with purpose, and never, ever be afraid to fly.
Love, Mommy”
As Ani Pema might say, we don’t ever know how this story will end; sometimes ‘goodbye’ is just the beginning.
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