As children, we are taught to say goodbye.

We observe that once we do, people disappear, hopefully to reappear and be greeted with a big "Hello" and a smile to match.

Waving frantically, we are desperate to be in the line of sight until the sudden disappearance should occur, and we crane our necks to try and see around that final corner, behind the door, into the car, around the tree. Whatever the obstacle may be.

As we grow, we discover that to say goodbye means much more than just a phrase to preceed a physical movement leaving us alone.

We say goodbye to ourselves, to our loved ones, to memories, to places, to experiences.

In saying an emotional goodbye, we can end a relationship, end a friendship, cut ourselves off from the pain of an interaction.

Goodbye can be the most powerful word in the English language.

And sometimes, that one word is enough.

Goodbye.