Nicosia, Cyprus. Two women have described how significant endings in life can pass without clear signals, only becoming meaningful when viewed later. Their experiences include a move from Ireland to Cyprus and an abrupt departure from a school.
Angela Ioannou recalls leaving Ireland for Cyprus
Angela Ioannou said she only fully understood the significance of the summer of 1979 years later, when she and her husband decided to leave Ireland and start a new life in Cyprus. She described the decision as emotional, particularly saying goodbye to her parents, as she did not know when they would see each other again.
Ioannou said the night before they left included friends and family at her parents’ house, which at the time felt more like a celebration than an ending. She recalled Irish music, stories and shared memories, and said one song that stayed with her was “The Fields of Athenry,” which she still has on a tape made by a friend.
She said she knew her life was about to change permanently, adding that alongside nervousness she also felt excitement because she was young.
Teacher Christina Efthymiou on planned moves and sudden departures
Teacher Christina Efthymiou, who has worked in several countries, said she is familiar with endings from moving between schools after a few years. She said teachers can become part of a community where staff feel like family, and where they may teach siblings.
Efthymiou said relationships are built through lessons as well as everyday moments, small conversations and familiar routines, and by watching children grow in confidence. She said moving on is a natural part of life, but goodbyes are difficult because of the bond formed with a class.
She described one experience that stood out because it happened suddenly when she had to leave due to differences with management. She said she was not prepared for the goodbye and that what felt like a normal day changed quickly.
Efthymiou said a mother later asked to meet for coffee so her son could have a proper goodbye after missing her when she moved from the school, adding that he was crying at night and needed extra time together to move on and accept the change. She said it was a reminder that endings are not always fully understood in the moment, especially for children.
Have you experienced a goodbye that only felt significant after it had already passed?