Saying Goodbye

Leaving Bakersfield is going to be tough. Saying goodbye to my daughter, son-in-law and my new grandson Jackson is heart wrenching. But I'll still do it, because I know that the pain will be temporary and I'll be back again.

"I'm trying not to think about the fact we're leaving day after tomorrow."

As I spoke with my daughter on the phone this morning when she made her daily wake up call, and until this sobering statement we had been laughing like children. We both turned quiet for a long, still moment.

"I've gotten so used to having you close by," she said. "I don't know how to be when you leave."

We moved the discussion on to went on to happier topics. Even though I saw her only 12 hours prior and I'll be seeing her this afternoon, we still cackled and gabbed for an hour this morning. It must be a Mother-Daughter thing.

I have learned motorcycling around the country comes at a hefty price. Not a financial cost, but one of a more human nature. I've been many places now, met many wonderful people. Everyday I find myself missing someone I have left behind.

I never meant to leave anyone behind. As my world expanded, so did my life and the amount t of people in it. From Pennsylvania to Pagosa Springs, San Diego to South Dakota, Bakersfield to Springfield, and even from Menifee, CA to Menifee, AR, there are faces I hope to see again.

There are many places I want to return to, as well as places I have yet to visit. So many roads calling my name.

Before every "Hello" must come a "Goodbye".

And when some goodbyes hurt more than others, I'll have the wind in my face blowing the tears away. For anyone I've left behind, just because you've seen me leaving, it doesn't mean it was easy for me to go.

In my heart, you're always with me and one day, our roads will bring us back together again.