Goodbyes and Farewells

Never having to say “Goodbye…”

I’m not a big crier. I didn’t cry at The Titanic. And I don’t like long goodbyes. I prefer to think that life will be long and that I will cross paths again with people that I love who impacted my life, no matter the distance or time.

Recently I was at the Quito airport with my friends Shirley and Michele waiting to check-in, and came across this this touching scene. It was mid-morning and a young woman and her child were accompanied by her extended family. She was the only one in Western attire. Everyone else was beautifully dressed in Ecuadorian outfits and matching jewelry.

They were all silent and when they got to the immigration gate, the elderly grandpa made a sign of the cross in the air in front of the woman and her child. Soon after, they disappeared into the secured International gated area soon. Her family stayed until they were well out of sight. And then they cried.

I imagine that this is a scene that plays out for immigrants all over the world. I ducked into the souvenir stand and wiped away my own tears.