That pretty much sums it up in a nutshell - Kali is on the other side of the world! After a big lead up to the trip last August, Covid nixed Kali going to the Philippines that time around. This time, despite another Covid scare last minute, Kali drove herself and Tala to Dulles Airport a week ago today (with me and Jason along for the ride - and to bring the car and our bursting and mostly complete hearts home)... We enjoyed a last meal in the economy parking lot, and thought we were all smart finding a secluded wooded area to pee before taking the bus to the airport (I came home to find 4 ticks on me!!!).
Backing up...we packed the final days together with as many hugs, games, delicious meals, final visits with loved ones, walks, snuggles, and sweet times of connection as we could. Oh, and when I found the graduation cap/gown/hood, never worn, in Tala's room, we had to add in a quick graduation photo shoot...There was, of course, also some packing to do! There was just enough time at the last minute for Kali to get to seed her popcorn in flats and she'll be back in time to harvest it.
The goodbye was a bit of a doozy as we were saying goodbye to both Tala and Kali at the same time - though it was also reassuring to know that they would get to be together.
The trip was adventurous, with enough of a delayed flight to necessitate Kali and Tala running to catch a plane, that thankfully postponed take off until their arrival. Kali is still waiting for her main suitcase to join her in Davao - it's taking the long route! But they arrived safely, which was what mattered most of all.
This trip will be Kali's stories to tell and this may not be the space in which she chooses to share many/any of those stories. But we are enjoying the marvels of technology and getting to see photos and videos of her new experiences, as well as finding ways to connect in the mornings/evenings when the 12 hour time difference doesn't make connection times too awkward! I did get permission to share one of my favorite pictures received thus far (from the two days they spent in Manila)!
We are surviving here without her, even with some moments of thriving! The hardest time of day is probably nighttime when her presence in the shared bedroom with her sisters seems to be keenly missed (there is considerably more traffic to our bedroom at present). We miss her and also do not wish this time away too quickly for her. August will be here soon enough!
No comments:
Post a Comment