The Parting Glass

Sometimes we have to say good bye.  This parting can take many forms, some more intense and emotional than others.  For example, when I say goodbye to my two cats in the morning (they both make a great effort to suck me into staying home), it is with the knowledge that I will see them in a short time.  When I say goodbye to my mom, it is usually with the knowledge that I will also see her in a short time.  But, as we both know, life isn’t always this way and “good-bye” is a phrase that can be full of profound sadness.  We have all had to say good bye to people, pets, places or things we enjoyed.  Each of these carries their own weight and affects us differently.  What I have learned over the course of my years, is to seize the day or “Carpe Diem.”  I have also learned how to cope with grief in a constructive and respectful (to the deceased), manner.  I do not hide from the pain the memories cause me, nor do I dwell on the negative.  Remember all the happy times, those which affected who you are right now, and who you will become later.  Those are the memories that honour the memory of the person in question.  This works regardless of whether they are leaving the school, the city, the country or they have passed on.  The song lyrics below are some of my favourite and are an old Irish traditional folk tale.  The beauty of these words is their ability for interpretation.  For example, it is not made clear whether the person in the song is leaving the city, the country or has passed on.  Take these lyrics as you will, but they have and will continue to offer me comfort when I am faced with a situation where I must part with those I love.  I hope they do the same for you.  

The Parting Glass:

“Of all the money that ere I had, I spent it in good company.
And of all the harm that ere I've done, alas was done to none but me.
And all I've done for want of wit, to memory now I cannot recall.
So fill me to the parting glass. Goodnight and joy be with you all.

Of all the comrades that ere I had, they're sorry for my going away,
And of all the sweethearts that ere I had , they wish me one more day to stay,
But since it falls unto my lot that I should rise while you should not,
I will gently rise and I'll softly call, "Goodnight and joy be with you all!"

Oh, if I had money enough to spend and leisure time to sit awhile
There is a fair maid in this town that sorely has my heart beguiled
Her rosey cheeks and ruby lips, she alone has my heart in thrall.
So fill me to the parting glass. Goodnight and joy be with you all.