Saying Goodbye with Gratitude
The movers are coming tomorrow. I think I’m ready. But it is so hard to say goodbye!
I could easily have spent the last three months wallowing in the very real sadness I feel at leaving our beautiful home and our wonderful friends. But I chose not to. I chose instead to think about the great fortune our family has had to live in such an amazing place and to share our lives with so many special people for the last eight years.
I mentioned my favorite Dr. Seuss quote, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened”, in a past blog about summer vacation coming to an end. It certainly takes on much greater significance as our family ends this chapter of our lives.
This move has been a great lesson to me on the importance of perspective. There are always different ways to view the same situation. The choice is ours. And our happiness depends on it! Andy Rooney got it right when he said, “Happiness depends more on how life strikes you than on what happens.”
At times it has been hard to stay positive, but for the most part I have been able to approach our move with enormous feelings of gratitude. I can’t think of a better place to have raised our children. Each of us has made friendships here that will last a lifetime. We have so many unforgettable memories that will be forever woven into the tapestry of our lives. It makes me so sad to have to say goodbye, but I just keep reminding myself of how very blessed we are for having had the chance to experience all that we did while we were here.
As I drive away from our home for the last time I know I will be smiling, as I wipe away tears, because I am so grateful that it happened.
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You have been such a wonderful asset to our community, Beth! I know you will enjoy the DC area and we will all stay tuned in to hear of your forthcoming adventures.
All the very best,
Marsha
Thanks so much, Marsha! We will miss you all very much! ~Beth
Beth,
I feel with you. Moving is difficult especially when you feel home and need to leave it behind. Luckily you leave behind a place only but not your many memories. They will stay with you for life. I feel blessed we met and I am convinced you will find another good sushi restaurant ;).
Good luck with your move. Your positive outlook will help you feel home soon again.
Take care,
Philipp
Thank you so much, Philipp! Please look us up if you are ever in DC! ~Beth
Beth,
Thank you for writing such a thoughtful and powerful “going away” message. I am so pleased we met at the Thunderbird Global Business Dialogue. I just wish we would have met sooner, as I really enjoy reading your blog-postings — clear, kind and full of wisdom.
I wish Angel and you the very best at George Mason University and as you continue to carry that Thunderbird / Arizona spirit with you, as you continue to inspire your friends around the world.
Thanks again!
Alden
Beautifully written observation on how a move should be perceived. Having just gone through what you are about to just a year ago, I feel the same. Blessed for the people, community, and experiences that happened while living there. You never forget, they are firmly imbedded in our families. You will find yourself seeking out people and embracing your new community to find what you left behind. Although no one can replace what you have established in AZ, you will find some intriguing new people and interesting places that further enrich your lives.
I wish you and your family all the best with your move and in the next chapter of your lives’.
Kelley
Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Alden! All my best, Beth
Thank you, Kelley! It is great to hear that you had a positive moving experience. I am happy for you and your family and it also helps to assure me that all will be turn out well for us, too!