Bittersweet. The meaning of this word is implicit in it’s simplicity. However, when I looked up the definition I found a description that illustrates the complexity of this adjective — “pleasure alloyed with pain.” Really, how can something be pleasurable and painful at the same time? Well, this is where I find myself today…

After the most gruelling and difficult year of my life (both personally and professionally), I’m finally graduating. I’d only daydreamed about going back to school to do a Master’s degree and never imagined it would ever come true, nor what a humbling experience it would be to become a student at age 37! However, with the support of some incredible people (my fellow cohorts) and my beloved parents, I’ve achieved my wildest and sweetest dream. Not only that,  I’m about to begin an adventure that I also never dreamed possible; I’ll be spending three months in Haiphong, Vietnam and then two years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

As my Dad keeps reminding me, “this is an end of an era.” While I celebrate this accomplishment I’m also very aware of the painful goodbyes that will be taking place over the next couple of days. Saying goodbye to my parents, my baby nephew and the rest of my family and friends will be even more  bitter and painful than the first time I moved away, because this time I’m acutely aware of how difficult it is to exist without them.

There has never been a more bittersweet moment in my life; the pleasure is alloyed with pain.

-K

PS: Next post…Vietnam! (Whaaaat?)