Parting ways with a dear friend is never easy. Nothing can match the joy of shared memories, of silly quarrels and reconciliations and trials endured together.
But everything changes and nothing stands still. Bit by bit, it comes over us that life goes on. One by one our comrades leave us to give space for new beginnings, new avenues for growth.
When you have to say goodbye, I hope this poem by Grinnell Willis from “Rhymes and Verses Written for a Family” will mend your broken heart.
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GOODBYE, DEAR FRIEND
by Grinnell WillisDear friend, ’tis hard to say farewell,
And harder yet it is to tell,
In parting words, how strong the tie
We sever now in this good-bye.We all shall miss thy gentle grace.
Thy willing hand and cheerful face;
No other friend thy place can fill.
Though absent we shall claim thee still;God bless the work thou hast begun,
And guard thee in the years to come,
And when thy heart is weary, or alone,
Come back and rest in this thy home.
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Read this beautiful poem by Grinnell Willis from “Rhymes and Verses Written for a Family” to part ways with a dear friend. Then, for nothing more than sheer delight, revisit Robert Louise Stevenson on why sometimes you should walk alone.
I’m a freelance writer and mindfulness advocate behind this blog. I started my meditation practice in 2014, and in 2017 I launched this website to share what I learn with others. Here are the three things you can do here:
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