Good-bye.
On my list of goofy phrases, this oxymoron ranks up there with civil war and benevolent dictator.
What aspect of separation, parting and farewell merits the word “good?”
I have decided to boycott, “Good-bye.” No more good-bye tears, hugs, or kisses. I’ve waved off the good-bye wave. Tossed out the good-bye message. Silenced the good-bye song. I’ve closed the book on tearful, sad, golden, final, emotional and last good-byes.
“See you soon” or “See you later” works for most benevolent partings.
For fun or frivolous farewells, I rely on: adios, toodle-oo, or cheerio.
But when the separation involves decades or an undetermined amount of time or the remainder of earth’s years, how do I address the occasion?
I find myself running to the original meaning of good-bye for a solution.
Good devolved from the word God…
Bye morphed from the short-hand of Be With Ye (bwye which further shortened to bye).
God Be With Ye.
This Memorial Day I remember my uncle who fought on the blood-soaked beaches of the Pacific during World War II and I whisper with all my heart, “Uncle George, God be with ye.”
To those who sacrificed their lives, liberty and pursuit of happiness to insure our nation's freedom. Thank You. God Be With You!