Hi Ally,

Thank you for another beautiful essay.

Let me begin with saying that I also hate goodbyes. I just recalled a memory of us, three kids, my brother, sister and I being left at grandparents for summer holiday and how I cried when our parents left.

I think I especially hate goodbyes to the good things. It's funny how easily we get used to the good things and then if somehow life takes them away we are left with a hole in our hearts.

I'd love to leave you here a translation of poem Stufen, by Herman Hesse

Stages

As every flower fades and as all youth

Departs, so life at every stage,

So every virtue, so our grasp of truth,

Blooms in its day and may not last forever.

Since life may summon us at every age

Be ready, heart, for parting, new endeavor,

Be ready bravely and without remorse

To find new light that old ties cannot give.

In all beginnings dwells a magic force

For guarding us and helping us to live.

Serenely let us move to distant places

And let no sentiments of home detain us.

The Cosmic Spirit seeks not to restrain us

But lifts us stage by stage to wider spaces.

If we accept a home of our own making,

Familiar habit makes for indolence.

We must prepare for parting and leave-taking

Or else remain the slaves of permanence.

Even the hour of our death may send

Us speeding on to fresh and newer spaces,

And life may summon us to newer races.

So be it, heart: bid farewell without end.

Enjoy Potrugal and thank you for being here 🥰

Namaste

🙏