Farewells: Think about them like scaffolds
Embracing the transitions
"Tell mummy 'bye.'" These words, often prompted by my nanny whenever my mum left, marked my earliest memories of farewells. Perhaps my actual first encounter was the day I was born—a farewell to the place I had called home for nine months—but I lacked the consciousness then to grasp its significance.
This November, steeped in Catholic tradition as a time to remember the souls of the faithful departed, I find myself reflecting on farewells. Maybe it’s also because my six-month academic journey has come to an end, or the recent losses of loved ones among those close to me, that have triggered these thoughts. Whatever the reason, memories of farewells linger.
Goodbyes are an inevitable part of life. Sometimes they’re expected—like a planned trip. Other times, they come abruptly—like death or a breakup. Regardless of the circumstance, farewells leave a void. As I’ve reflected, I’ve come to appreciate something I’ve learned both from one of my favourite books and my frequent travels: life itself is a transit. There’s an arrival gate and a departure lounge, and between these points are the transit moments where memories are made. Often, these memories make us cling to the present, resisting the end even when it’s necessary.
My mum loves telling the story of how, during my kindergarten days, I would cry every morning when she dropped me off at school. I desperately wanted to go back home with her. Yet her love restrained her from yielding to my pleas, as she knew the departure was necessary for my growth. Her office wasn’t my destination just yet; my place was the classroom, and she understood that my journey toward basic education required this small yet painful separation.
How true this lesson is. As I reflect on farewells, I am learning that painful as they are, they often mark the beginning of fresh journeys. This is not to dismiss the emotional weight of saying goodbye to a cherished person or environment. It’s a reminder that a new dawn follows—even if the process feels insurmountable, such as bidding farewell at a funeral or letting go of a treasured friendship.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot” (Cf. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2). Farewells allow us to transition gracefully from one phase to the next while trusting in God's timing.
In many ways, relationships, roles, and seasons in life are like scaffolds. They support us as we grow, offering structure and stability. Farewells acknowledge the temporary nature of these supports, honouring their importance while recognising when their purpose is fulfilled.
As I walk around my residency, observing the scaffolds surrounding ongoing construction, I am reminded that scaffolds are not discarded because they’ve failed. They’re removed because their purpose has been achieved. Similarly, farewells are not merely about loss but about transition.
Farewells, like scaffolds, teach us to embrace the impermanence of life’s supports. They challenge us to let go when the time is right, trusting that each goodbye makes room for the next phase of growth and purpose.
As I think about farewells, I am reminded of the people and places that have left indelible marks on my heart. The laughter of friends in familiar corners, the warmth of family at home and my coursemates in class, and the unique beauty of people and places I once called mine—they linger in my memories like cherished chapters of a book I can’t stop rereading.
I miss them, but I hold onto the truth that these moments, these connections, were gifts for their season. The farewells, though painful, are reminders that I was blessed to have something so precious to say goodbye to.
In every farewell, I find myself carrying pieces of those I’ve loved and the places I’ve known. They remain within me, shaping who I am and preparing me for the journeys yet to come. And though distance and time may separate us, I trust that these memories will always serve as anchors of love, gratitude, and hope.
So, the next time you face a farewell, remember this: it’s not an end but a transition—a chance to honour the past and step boldly into the future.
📖 Current Read: I’m re-reading Seeds in the Wind by Alex Rebello. It’s one of those books that still stands out as one of the best I’ve ever read.
🍿 What I’m Enjoying: I’ve been glued to the second season of Smart Money Woman—it’s packed with powerful lessons on personal finance. Then there’s Just Us Girls—a series that’s been on my radar for a while. While it’s focused on women, there’s something everyone can take away from it. Both are available on YouTube. And how could I forget? I recently watched the Sweet Bobby documentary on Netflix. What a wild ride! The story of a woman who was catfished for 10 years—it’s insane!
🎧 Music: Honestly, I haven’t been listening to much music lately (not that I was a big listener before). I’m open to suggestions though—send me your best playlists, and who knows, maybe I’ll switch things up!
Lovely that to know that you're a fan of season two Smart money woman...
Lovely read.