It took me a while after I arrived in Australia to realise that “See you later” has a number of meanings in the Aussie vernacular. In England “See you later” is usually interpreted as meaning that you will meet the other person(s) later that day. ‘Later’ in Aussie-speak can, in terms of time, mean anything from one hour to 20 years! Another use of the phrase is a polite way of saying “Have a Nice Day!” which is a favorite Americanism.
I have experienced many “See You Later” occasions in my life because of different needs within the Columban society. I was asked to take on different appointments both at home in the UK and in other mission areas. These various appointments have involved a number of significant ‘uprootings’ which I accepted as part of the missionary life. This experience has given me a broader vision of mission as experienced in different cultures which I wouldn’t have learnt had I remained in the Philippines which was my first appointment.
As a missionary the experience of ‘uprooting’ and ‘moving on’ becomes part of life’s journey. I feel however that deeper reflection is necessary on uprootedness and it’s affect on identity. Who am I? and where do I really belong? Where am I really accepted for who I am and where I can truly be myself.
The older I become the harder the experience as I ponder upon whether this will be the last move I make as the effort and energy needed to cope with it becomes less.
I am about to experience the “See you Later” farewell from Australian friends as I return to England after four years assignment here. I feel that it will include a hope that our paths will cross again in the future and also a wish that my life will be happy and fulfilled as I leave this fair land.
I leave with few regrets and a wiser person than the one who arrived here in 2005 thanks to the many Aussies who have crossed my path.
“See you later”
Fr Bernard McDermott (Bernie)
