Stay Awhile

About this episode

The episode reflects on the bittersweet nature of life and the inevitable goodbyes we face with loved ones.

Life to me is like a dinner party that I don’t ever want to end. Everyone I have ever cared about is seated at the table next to me. I am surrounded with friendship and immersed in love. The food is phenomenal (all grown locally and sustainably of course.) The beeswax candle on the table flickers, and smells divine, but it never melts. A gentle fire crackles in the fireplace nearby. A nostalgic playlist sets the mood and reminds us of all the good times we’ve had together. Toasts are being made and the conversation flows easily. The meal glides seamlessly from one course to the next. I never feel full; the food is just endlessly enjoyable. And then, one by one, the people I love begin to leave. No one was surprised by my parents’ departure, least of all not me. We could all see it coming. Their shoulders were slumped and their eyes were glazing over. They were profoundly tired and it was getting late. I desperately wanted them to stay but I knew it was time to let them go. After they left, we raised a glass and toasted their life, their love, their friendship, and their legacy. At some point we all leaned in a little to fill the gap their absence created, and the evening moved…

People in this episode

Host: Bobbie Emery

Topics covered

• loss
• memory
• friendship
• nostalgia
• family
• love

Keywords

• dinner party
• friendship
• love
• nostalgia
• goodbyes
• family

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