Goodbyes

Yesterday was a landmark.  It was the first of our two scheduled goodbye parties.  Up until then we had simply said "we'll see you at the party."  Last night was the first of our serious goodbyes.

We had an interesting turnout--barn people (lots of them--friends and instructors and even Daz--I mean, Abby's--new mom and dad), some German brunch folks, teacher folks, neighbors, gaming friends, grad school buddies, some people I didn't know (this is common when we have our pork shoulder events), and just a whole bunch of really cool people.  It's amazing how many friends we have and how many people we are going to miss.  It was a busy evening, but as people drifted away, we had to say goodbye to some of them.  In situations such as these, there are two German goodbyes that come to mind.  The first is the famous "auf Wiedersehen," which translates roughly to "until we meet again."  The other, sadder one, is "leb wohl," which translates to "may you live well."  It is used as a final goodbye.  In this era of communication and travel, it's not a sentiment one hears often, and it is one that seems too final and sad to contemplate or accept.  Goodbyes are generally the former for the ease of all involved.

The reality, though, is that for many, this is a final goodbye.   It's not that we don't WANT to see you again or that we don't HOPE to see you again.  It's that the reality is that for some or even many of you, we WON'T see you again.  We can still stay involved in each others' lives through email, facebook, and more.  We will always care and will always go out of our way to support you, and we know we can always count on you.  It's a tremendous blessing to  live in the internet age (oh, and those of you not familiar with Skype, it's time to learn).  Spending time together or hanging out, though, is looking less and less likely.

This is natural.  We all think we'll always stay in touch with the same people, remain best friends with the same people, and share the same closeness.  It's just not realistic.  We are moving on, and many of you will do or have done the same.  That's a good thing, and it's healthy.  It is hard, however, to be the one moving on and saying so many goodbyes with such finality.  I did not shed tears last night, but I know I will.  In fact, I'm crying now just thinking of those of you to whom I said goodbye last night.  Know that we will miss you and that you have had some measure of impact in our lives.  We are better because of you.  Thanks to each of you for your enduring friendship and support.

It is on that note that I want to mention a difference in German and American cultures.  In the US we often say "come visit," but the invitation lacks an "oomph."  It's just a nicety or lip service.  The same is NOT true of German culture.  When a German invites you into his home, it is a sincere and honored offer on which he expects to be taken up.  It is on that note that we open our doors.  When you visit Europe, our doors are open.  If we end up elsewhere on our journey, our doors will remain open.  No visit is so stressful that it outweighs the good of seeing you, our friends and family, walk through our doors.  No time is so busy that it cannot be rearranged for you.  It is with this invitation in mind that I choose to say to each of you:

Auf Wiedersehen.  Until we meet again.  May it be soon.

Thank you for being a part of our lives.  We love you and will miss you.  We look forward to your arrival in Munich.