Bittersweet Farewell: Saying Goodbye to Bermuda
I'm sitting here writing this looking at the most beautiful turquoise water in the world. I’m back in Bermuda after seven long years. The turquoise waters, pink-sand beaches, and the tree frogs singing me to sleep at night make my soul happy. But this trip isn't just a vacation; it's a turning point. We're packing up my parents to bring them back to the US with us, which means this is the last time I'll ever visit them in my beautiful island home.
My heart is full watching my son, now 14, explore the place with wide-eyed wonder. He was only 7 last time and barely remembers that trip. We've spent the last few days showing him around: so far, we have gone snorkeling at four beaches, hunted for the perfect piece of sea glass at Alexandra Battery, sat outside on a hot humid night and listened to the tree frogs, played multiple games of Uno, had daily afternoon tea and biscuits and of course helped my parents pack.
It's been magical, reconnecting with my roots and seeing him light up at the same spots that shaped me. Yet, with every sunrise, there's this quiet dread creeping in. Each day spent is one closer to leaving forever, and it's breaking my heart. As we sort through boxes of old photos and keepsakes from my childhood the finality hits hard.
I catch myself staring out at the ocean, wishing I could pause time, but life doesn't work that way. My parents are excited for the new chapter stateside, closer to grandkids and easier living, but for me, it's like closing a book I never wanted to end.
The countdown feels relentless, turning joy into a tender ache. In the end, though, I'm grateful for these moments. This trip has reminded me that home isn't just a place, it's the people and memories we carry. We'll take Bermuda with us in small ways like the stories, recipes, and that unbreakable family bond will always be there. I'm learning that when facing a goodbye like this it is important to sit with your feelings. Let yourself feel the sadness but also hold on to the sweetness amid the sorrow. I’m honoring where I came from and how it shaped me as a person and it’s what makes my heart grow fuller.
