For as many “Hello’s” we will say countless times in our lives to loved ones, friends and others whom we will meet, so also will we say an equal number of “Goodbye’s” to them - and a variety of places and “things” we have known, loved, and cherished for long - and sometimes all too brief - lengths of time. Through the personal stories and pastoral and reflections in this book Pastor Illausky hopes to “engage the minds, touch the hearts, stir the souls” - and remind those who read them - that the loving God who created them will continue to be present in their lives to, through and beyond the day when He forever welcomes us into His loving arms. Born and raised in Bristol, Connecticut, after studying business management and computer science in college, Pastor Illausky was employed as a computer consultant for 18 years. During that time he enjoyed serving as choir director and lay-leader of his congregation and involvement in the fraternal order of Masons. In response to his “life-long call”, Pastor Illausky received a Master of Divinity Degree from Andover-Newton Theological Seminary; completed additional post-graduate studies at Theological Lutheran Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; ordained as a Lutheran pastor, January 21, 1996; and served congregations in New England and Texas prior to retiring as a full-time pastor in December, 2021. Pastor Illausky and Susan, his wife of 52 years, reside in Anna, Texas and are proud parents of their daughter, her husband and their two teenage children.