The narrator receives a farewell from the memory in order to symbolize closure and acceptance of moving on from the past. It suggests that the memory will always be with them in some way, but that it is time to let go and move forward.
It is a reference to the past and the memory there. A goodby to the old and a welcome to the new.
The most powerful thing someone can take from you is the love you have for someone or for yourself.
Adios
goodby
au revoir
antio
Tot ziens!
Adios - Goodbye
In Russian, "goodbye" is translated as "до свидания" (pronounced as "do svidaniya").
Au revoir
The cast of The Memory of Joy - 2003 includes: Gord Downie as Narrator
The cast of The Triumph of Memory - 1989 includes: Arnost Lustig as Narrator