Dear _____,

Something I find myself thinking about more and more is the concept of saying goodbye. And not just “oh, I’ll see you later” — no, the definitive goodbye, the one where you’re sure never to see the other person again or you’re unsure but you wouldn’t be surprised if it would be the last time. It was in 2024 when I first started thinking about this, after two movies heavily focused on the goodbyes we tell each other (specifically Past Lives, directed by Celine Song, and Robot Dreams, directed by Pablo Berger), and the idea never really left my mind. I think it’s something we’ve all experienced in one way or another throughout different points in our lives… and I think it’s worth mulling over.

These goodbyes happen more often than we think. Sometimes they don’t hit as deep because you may not have been super close with that person. Perhaps this person was someone you only knew for a short time, or they were a friend of a friend and weren’t that present in your life, nor you in theirs. But sometimes a goodbye can keep you up at night, wondering randomly about that one person who shaped your life in such a way and how they’re no longer an active part in it. Maybe you spent years of your shared lives together or maybe you simply shared a unique bond that was unlike any you’ve had before. Regardless, it sticks with you, for better or for worse. Of course, a goodbye can be both good and bad, depending on the context. Still, it’s a powerful thing.

And it goes both ways, I think – depending on the situation. Maybe you’re not the only one still up at night, maybe that other person still thinks about you too. Or maybe your goodbye was one of those that didn’t leave to much of an impact. We’ll never really know, and how interesting is that? It makes me think about how even when we’ve said our last goodbyes and are left to live our separate lives, there’s still microscopic strands keeping some of us connected. It’s just interesting.

Like I said, we all deal with a goodbye in some form as we live our lives. Goodbyes just happen. As sad as it is to admit it, it may be something that’ll happen here, to us, one day. It’s inevitable, sometimes we have no control over it. Sometimes we do and it may be for the best. Only time will tell.

Until then, though, I’ll stay here, I’ll keep writing. For you and for me – even if you can’t be here all the time and even when I can’t write all time time. We may say our goodbyes, but I want to keep that door open, to make room for a hello to step on through and take up space again.

And for all those who we’ve said goodbye to for the final time – thank you for it all. For being there and sharing time together. I’m sure none of us will ever forget it.

Originally written 01-10-2025

Accompanying music: Dearly Beloved 2014 by Kyle Landry