Allow me to tell you about the good, in goodbye.
The word itself is an interjection or noun and means farewell, an expression used when parting. It was first used in the 1500's as a contraction for God be with ye.
Sometimes goodbye seems temporary, a simple word exchanged with coworkers after a day at work or a expression we use to end an everyday phone call. It's almost as if the word carries no weight. Just a see you later and we're off. But then in those rare moments, the word goodbye suddenly comes to life. It feels heavy as it falls off your tongue and you're left with an aching feeling somewhere deep inside your chest.
So how is it that one word, can go from such a casual everyday exchange, to a feeling and concept difficult to understand, much less process?
I once knew a man. A man whose entire life was a story too great to be hindered by anything worldly. He was the definition of courage, though he didn't always have his head on straight. Like all of us, he too wandered and searched. He lost a lot throughout his life, some things because of chance, others thanks to his own pride. But years wore him down and he became a humble man. A man of change and of dignity, even still he was stubborn. He loved his family, his grandchildren, they gave him the opportunity to do things the right way. He was a giver and though it was hidden under years of age, the scent of Old Spice and a crooked smile, he had a big heart. Constantly teaching us something, always a lesson at hand, he had a plan for everything. Strong, steady, consistent. He had a voice that carried no matter how far you were and sent chills down your spine when close by. He didn't always lead by example when he should have, but when he got around to living the right way, he made up for lost time.
This man left a legacy, a path if you will. He walks in front of us everyday, revealing the path little by little, coming to each of us when we need him most. Lessons from years spent together washed with clarity and each with perfect timing. He left his family, his wife, his children, and us, but only to make sure it was safe up ahead. You see that's the kind of man he was, he gave a piece of himself to each of us, a little something to remember, to guide us, but his heart? His heart forever belongs to his other half, the woman he shared his greatest adventure with.
"So where is the good?" asked the widow in a lonely prayer.
"Where is the good?" asked the grandson at his high school graduation.
"Where is the good?" asked his friends in meetings.
"Where is the good?" she begged in a dream.
And he answered, "Let God be with ye, I cannot be, for I am now a spirit. Let me assure you, the good is in grace, it is in forgiveness. It is in the butterflies that come before you, in the leaves that rise and fall; it is the light that begins to shine and the elk that stands up tall. It is the voice you hear within you, telling you to go on. It is the pieces of me I gave you, that remind you to be strong. I know the good is sometimes hard to understand, but I can see it clearly; with a loyal dog by my side and a view overlooking all that I love so dearly."
For in his absence, may we celebrate and remember the life he would have wanted us to live. May we love and teach and give. You were a great man Granpa and I intend to tell the world of your stories and the lessons that have become a part of mine.
I know that you are with me.
Thank you for the good,
Kelcer
