“Whether living with hope or at the end of the rope. It isn’t written in the stone when the futures unknown. And though some do atone, through no fault of their own, they fall through the cracks and get left by the wayside. God willing, it’s the last time I’ll say goodbye. God willing, I’ll see you on the other side. It’s the last time I’ll look into your eyes. I’ve come here to put my arms around you and say one final goodbye. Yeah, I’ll see you on the other side.” ”“ Dropkick Murphys

There are certain people who come into your life, and in time you realize that regardless what life throws your way you’ll always have a common thread that binds. The ones who, sometimes after years of not speaking a single word to each other, walk into the room and it is as though no time has passed at all.

Then there are others who, for whatever the reason may be, you have to part ways with and say goodbye.

Let me just say, for the record, I’m no darned good at saying goodbye.

Being raised Catholic, I was taught from early on the ideology that no one ever really leaves us, they instead move on (hopefully) to Heaven, only to look over us until we meet again.

Just an off-note, but as a young one that thought kind-of creeped me out. What happens if they look down and I’m in the shower or something? Wouldn’t that be just awkward?

Anyway, having bought the theory of never really saying goodbye, I guess the idea of losing a loved one never bode well with me. After investing time and energy into a connection, cutting those ties just seems so, well, final.

Granted not every relationship is healthy for one or both parties. Sometimes people, like oil and vinegar, were never meant to be mixed together and are better off parting ways.

Over the years, as I’ve watched so many ties fall to the wayside, I’ve often thought it was a shame to have to end something that’s such a blessing. But, much to my chagrin, life happens. Friends get divorced and sides are chosen. People move. People choose different paths, change, move on or move away.

The older I become, the more I’m learning to appreciate a real and true friendship. Acquaintances may come and go without ever leaving much more than a fleeting memory. But lifelong friends are certainly one in a million.

There’s something to be said for the one who shows up at your darkest hour, just in the hope they can be of help. The ones who’ve seen you at your best, stood by you at your worst and forgive your faults as a part of a whole work-in-progress. They’re standing next to you at your wedding, holding your hand when you get divorced and waiting outside the delivery room when your babies are born.

They’re also the ones who’ll tell you when your hair looks terrible or your have food stuck in your teeth or that you’re being less than intelligent. But even in the face of tough love, you know it’s not to make you feel bad, but more because they care.

Out of the countless faces who have steamed through my life, the friends I’ve held on to through the years have meant the world to me. Though our lives may change, possibly straying away from everyday interactions, the gift of their friendship will never go unappreciated.

I know I’ve been truly blessed to have the friends I call my own. And even if life dictates our paths stray for a while I know I’ll never be one to say goodbye. It’s just not my style.

May the road rise to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine softly on your fields

May God hold you in the palm of his hand

Until we meet again.

(Irish Blessing)