Hard to Say Goodbye

Gift of a potted plant I received today.
@BettyB (4117)
Summerville, South Carolina
May 19, 2016 4:34pm CST
The last couple of weeks have been sweet, but hard. I have five more days of school with the kids and seven more with my fellow teachers. Some I will continue to see, but some of the casual friends will drift away. I knew the final days would be fun but hard. I just didn’t realize how hard. The photograph accompanying this post is a picture of gift I received today. It was from one of the librarians. I’ve stood morning duty in the library for the last five years. I would monitor the kids so she could get what needed to be done, done. We worked well together. We would often compare notes on books we’ve read, and quizzed kids on the YABA (Young Adult Book Awards) books they’ve read. We had a good working relationship, but once school is out, I doubt I will see her again. We move in two different circles. The plant she gave me was both a thank you, and a goodbye. She’s not the only one I will not see again.
16 people like this
17 responses
@DianneN (246906)
• United States
19 May 16
Goodbyes are difficult. I still keep in touch with a few good friends and go to parties and some retirement dinners. The flowers are beautiful! Cheer up! You will adore the new phase of your life.
3 people like this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
20 May 16
There are some I will keep up with, but there are a few that I know I will loose touch with. That's the hard part.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246906)
• United States
23 May 16
@BettyB You don't have to lose touch with anyone, especially if you like each other.
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
23 May 16
@DianneN I know and I will keep in touch with as many as possible.
1 person likes this
@marlina (154166)
• Canada
19 May 16
That was very nice of this lady to give you a parting gift.
2 people like this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
20 May 16
I love the plant. It was a very sweet gesture.
@toniganzon (72285)
• Philippines
19 May 16
Saying goodbye is really one of the hardest things to do and I'm not good at it.
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
20 May 16
I will never be good at saying goodbye. It seems like I have to say it too often.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72285)
• Philippines
20 May 16
@BettyB Saying goodbye too often is painful.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (48478)
• Canada
19 May 16
It is good that you have a fond memory of working with her even if you won't be seeing her again after you finish.
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
20 May 16
You're right. The memories will always be there.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
19 May 16
There are bound to be some regrets as you enter this new phase of your life, but you have a lot to look forward to. Lovely flowers.
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
20 May 16
I am looking forward to retirement and spending time with special friends and family, but its been hard to say goodbye to people I know I won't see again. I've been through it before. I will always have the memories.
2 people like this
@Inlemay (17714)
• South Africa
20 May 16
Oh goodness are you officially finished at the school?
1 person likes this
@Inlemay (17714)
• South Africa
20 May 16
@BettyB that is around the corner - enjoy every last minute of a lifetime of work
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
23 May 16
@Inlemay The last week of school is always both hard and fun.
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
20 May 16
I have five more days with kids and then two workdays. I will be completely finished on June 1.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (49010)
• United States
19 May 16
I am sure that your retirement is going to be bittersweet.
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
20 May 16
I'm looking forward to it, but I will miss the people I've worked with for years.
@SHOHANA (16094)
• Bangladesh
12 Aug 17
yup its hard to say good bye but sometimes its better to say good bye instead staying
@mom210 (9036)
• United States
26 May 16
I am sure you will adapt and there is always lunch with those you miss.
• Midland, Michigan
24 May 16
I've forgotten to visit with you lately and I don't really know whether you are retiring or whether the other librarian is retiring, so I guess I'll go take a peek. It is hard to be in the midst of change. Flowers are very pretty.
@Gabugs (1895)
• United States
7 May 17
Hi! I was looking out for you since I returned back here after my long absence @BettyB Having been a teacher myself over the years, I can well understand how you must feel. To break away from kid s and your colleagues, is indeed sad. But being an enterprising lady, I'm sure you'll do well. See you around my dear myLot friend.
@sgbrown (1638)
• United States
25 May 16
It is hard to say good bye to people you have made friends with. One of the ladies that retired from the Department of Human Services here, where I worked for 15 years, has started a retirement luncheon once a month. I try to go to that when I can. Maybe someone could do that and you could all keep in touch that way.
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
24 May 16
Separation from long time friends can be sad. Such a nice gift you had from your friend; so beautiful flowers.
@Hannihar (129481)
• Israel
3 Jan 18
It is hard to say goodbye and wonder if you will see some of the people again. I love the plant she gave you. It is very beautiful.
@Teep11 (7674)
• United States
21 May 16
I'mm sure the staff and students will miss you. It comes a time when when we need to part but at least you'll be able to see some of your co-workers. Have a blessed retirement.
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
20 May 16
It is bitter sweet to retire but after a few months it is just sweet!! Congratulations on your upcoming retirement.
@just4him (306386)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
20 May 16
That's so sad but wonderful at the same time. The plant is beautiful.