'Farewell' is something I don't know how to do

Yesterday the formal announcement/news went out to the congregation that my last day of work here is August 31st. People have started the farewell saga. If there is one thing I am terrible at and have failed every time, it is saying "farewell". My grand mother, of whom I am told I am a dublicate, never did either. She would be there with big open arms and a kitchen full of fruits and foods of all kinds to welcome us at the beginning of every summer. On the day we left she was never around. I remember her kissing me on the cheek thinking I was still asleep, saying words of blessings in God's name and then leaving for who knows where. By the time we all got up for the day, she was nowhere to be found. She did not do 'farewell' well - so she avoided it all together! If I had a chance, I would ran away from it too. Why "farewell," life is so very short we should fill it with "Hello-s". Will's family has a quote they use from an old play, "We never say 'good-bye' to people we want to see again. We say 'Take an umbrella.'" The new associate pastor is almost here! I would REALLY like for people to concentrate and work on a big warm welcoming "Hello" for this person and let me take my umbrella and just fade away in my own style.