There are long goodbyes and short goodbyes.
Short goodbyes are like a trip to the store or a day at work. In short goodbyes the person travels with you in your mind. You create commentary to tell them later. You plan for them -I will buy this jam, its their favourite. You make plans for the two of you together. You phone them midday to check how they are.

Long goodbyes are putting the jam in the cart and realizing they are not there to eat it. Long goodbyes are dialing the phone only to hear: this number is no longer in service. Long goodbyes are conversations in your head and knowing there is no-one to tell.

Short goodbyes are goodnight: have a good sleep we will talk in the morning. Long goodbyes are waking up alone.

Short goodbyes are how are you? i missed you. Tell me all about it.

Long goodbyes are: I miss you. There are so many things I want to tell you. Long goodbyes are conversations we will never have.

Short goodbyes are : I am sorry we were fighting.I didn’t mean to hurt you. Forgive me.

Long goodbyes are: I am sorry. I am sorry I cannot tell you how much you mean to me. Forgive me.

Short goodbyes are anticipated reunions. Long goodbyes are reunions we will never have.

Short goodbyes are punctuated with happy hellos.Long goodbyes are non ending silence.

Short goodbyes are hugs and holding on tightly. Long goodbyes are letting go and letting go and letting go, over and over.

Short goodbyes end. Long goodbyes never do.

Gwendolyn Villebrun