Recently, I took a road trip down South—a bittersweet one. We were attending a celebration of life for a beloved aunt who passed away a few months ago. Saying goodbye to her was hard. I’ll miss knowing she’s no longer in this world, showering love on her family and working wonders with her music therapy.

But what a legacy she left behind. She even inspired me to include a song with each of my children’s books—so I could reach all sorts of learners, just like she did.

And while I was saying goodbye to her, I was also saying hello to cousins I hadn’t seen in years. Some, not since the early 2000s! It was pure joy to catch up, meet their children—and even a few grandchildren.

Isn’t life like that? Sometimes when you say goodbye, you’re also saying hello. And that’s not always a bad thing.

Take holidays, for example. For 30+ years, we gathered at the Clark family home for food, laughter, and a whole lot of love. But then the house was sold. Goodbye to that tradition… and hello to new ones. Now, the “kids” are hosting, and the “oldies” (that’s us!) are happily along for the ride. I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving at my daughter’s house this year—hopefully with fewer dishes for me!

Or retirement. Whew, that was a big goodbye. After 40 years of teaching, stepping away from the classroom left a big hole in my life. But I found a new path. Now I still teach kids—but through stories. Hello, author life!

And let’s not forget saying goodbye to a trusty old car. We keep our cars forever, until even duct tape can’t help anymore. Saying goodbye to my Toyota Highlander, lovingly named “Precious,” was tough. But now I’ve got “Snazzy”—my Jeep Wrangler. A little sassier, a little louder, but she gets me where I need to go. And she looks good doing it!

Goodbyes are a part of living—but so are hellos. The next time I have to let go of something I love, I’ll close my eyes and treasure the memory… then open them with hope, ready to welcome what’s next. Life is full of goodbyes and hellos—some bittersweet, some beautiful, and yes, some that lead to naming your next vehicle something completely ridiculous. But each one matters, and I’ll keep showing up for them all.

—Peni