See You Soon!

We accompanied Ligna to the airport this afternoon to say "see you soon". The bigs bade her a cheerful goodbye at school drop-off this morning before running to class, and the littlies gave her quick hugs at the departure gate before making a beeline for a joy ride on the escalators. Cheerful goodbyes for the children, that's the best we could all hope for.

It was a full, meaningful 12 days and I want to say we made every moment count. She was fully present with us, playing with the children in the day and talking life with us adults at night. We talked, laughed, pondered and connected.

We're immensely grateful for the time spent, and the memories will be in our hearts for a long time.

"When you part from your friend, 

you grieve not;

For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain. And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit... 

And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.

For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed." 

- On Friendship, in The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran 

It was ever so humbling to remember that even as we exchanged stories and perspectives on our shared humanity, the path we walk is ours and ours alone. Perhaps it is, though, that in our brief togetherness, we find witness, strength and hope for the path ahead.