Parting is such sweet sorrow

Isn't this an oxymoron?  "Parting is such sweet sorrow".  I never really understood that,...until now.  I dread the day when Jay goes back to work.  The sadness starts to set in when I print his boarding pass the day before.  Our last night together I hold him closer than usual and breathe in the smell of his skin.  I try to lay awake and listen to his quiet snoring so I will remember it when his place in the bed is cold and empty.  The sorrow is very deep.  But, at the same time I realize there is such sweetness in our parting as well.  Because I know that somewhere on the other side of the world is someone who loves me dearly.  Someone who is the butter to my bread, the ice cream to my pie, and the peppermint to my hot chocolate.  He loves me just the way I am and is never embarrassed by my quirks and eccentricities.  He would literally give his life to protect me.  He would climb mountains and swim rivers just to see me smile.  When I think of him my heart warms and lightens.  As I gather his stuff off the kitchen table and store it away, it reminds me that he will be back soon.  I see his clothes hanging in the closet and I know that he will return.  And so, as his plane flies away I am blessed to know that even though his body will be in Africa, his heart will always be here with me.  Yes,  parting is indeed sweet sorrow.