So Long, Farewell, and Thanks for All the Feels: How to Say Goodbye with Wendy MacNaughton
Ah, goodbyes. The universal bummer. They linger in the air like the smell of burnt toast, a constant reminder that all good things (and sometimes bad things, let's be honest) must come to an end. But fear not, weary traveler on the path of parting! Today, we delve into the wisdom of Wendy MacNaughton, artist extraordinaire and hospice veteran (though, thankfully, not in the way it sounds).
From Sketchpad to Zen Hospice: Where Art Meets Saying Sayonara
MacNaughton, armed with her trusty pen and watercolors, ventured into the unfamiliar territory of a Zen hospice. Forget sterile white walls and hushed tones – this was a quest to capture the raw emotions, the quiet dignity, and the surprising beauty of saying goodbye. Think of it as "Eat, Pray, Love" meets "Final Destination," but way less Sandra Bullock screaming.
The Five Magical Words (That Aren't "Abracadabra"): Your Goodbye Cheat Sheet
Now, MacNaughton isn't here to sugarcoat things. Saying goodbye is messy, awkward, and sometimes involves forgetting where you put your teeth. But fret not, for she offers a handy dandy framework (much more effective than duct tape and bubble wrap) – The Five Things.
Brace yourselves, because here they are, in all their glory:
- "I forgive you." Let go of grudges, people! Nobody wants to die with emotional baggage heavier than a Kardashian suitcase collection.
- "Please forgive me." We all mess up. Swallow your pride and say those three little words.
- "Thank you." Express gratitude for the memories, the laughs, the times you accidentally set the kitchen on fire together.
- "I love you." Duh. But seriously, don't hold back on the mush.
- "Goodbye." The bittersweet cherry on top.
Pro Tip: Delivering these with a cheesy grin and a kazoo solo is entirely optional.
Beyond Words: The Power of Presence (and Maybe a Distraction for Aunt Mildred)
MacNaughton reminds us that goodbyes aren't just about what you say, but how you be. Hold a hand, sing off-key show tunes, bring in a therapy llama – whatever makes the moment meaningful (and maybe takes Aunt Mildred's mind off the fact she forgot to water her begonias).
So, the next time you're facing a tearful farewell, remember Wendy MacNaughton and The Five Things. And hey, if things get really awkward, just whip out a kazoo. You might be surprised at the results (or at least get a bewildered chuckle).
