We left our beautiful accommodations at 5:30 this morning and are now biding our time at the Taipei airport, waiting to board our final flight home . . . to Vancouver. It is Friday evening here and we will still be getting home on Friday evening . . . adding 15 hours to our day.
I think it's okay if I say it was very, very hard to say our goodbyes. The kids are getting older and realizing just how long the next time may be. This has brought about a whole new dimension to saying goodbye .. . because, in a way, their tears hurt more than my own. It turns out that I really have to focus on all that's positive to help them face the same feelings I have . . . feelings that threaten your whole emotional being with such emotion that your heart literally feels squeezed.
When I think about it, there have been times I have wanted to guard my heart against loving too much . . . for fear of eventually facing hurt. I think it may be a natural way of coping sometimes. But I've come to see that I would be robbing myself. As I told Tehya and Paeton, the fact that it's hard to say goodbye is a good thing. And talking about that brought some smiles.
As every mile logged takes us further away from those last repeated hugs . . . we are looking forward to the ones waiting at the other end. We are blessed. Love is a good thing . . . even though it can . . . and does . . . hurt at times.
13 comments:
Thinking of you on your journey back. It is comforting that those tears mean your relationship is good...
It's so hard to leave - we have military kids and grandkids - thinking of you and praying for safe travel. I enjoy your blog and your pictures. Also, enjoy seeing the work your children are doing there. God Bless!
Ok, I'll admit it, your post brought tears to my eyes! Praying for your safe journey home.
I was moved by your post today. Our grandkids live in the North and although we try to see them as much as we can it's never enough. When the 2 yr old says "I wuv you guys" as we leave, my heart breaks. Family is a wonderful thing. Blessed Easter to you and your family, Angharad
As you are saying good bye, we are saying hello to our kids and grandboys. We have 10 days before we too will have to say good bye again.
It's all part of grandparenting from afar- an even greater challenge when you are half a world away instead of just 2 provinces away.
You have shown how much you love them all by making the long journey there as often as you do and then by making such good memories for them while you are there. That's the important thing!
So well said as always....love is a very good thing even when it hurts. Grandparenting from afar is definitely a challenge but oh how worth it!!To have those amazing relationships with the ones you love.
I've been thinking of you so much today Anneliese. .you are on your way home. Praying for those little ones and big ones you left behind that their joy may be full.
Welcome back home. I am looking forward to seeing pictures of the completed treehouse (I'm so jealous)!
Your trip seemed so short for going so far...but it was good you could get away. I know there are exciting things (little people) back home in BC waiting for you.
I thought of you...knowing you would be saying your 'good-byes' once more! Blessings to you on your last leg of your return trip....home.
You have so eloquently expressed the heart of every long distance grandparent! The only thing that keeps me from crying when we part is that it will break their little hearts. So I cry in the car. Dry your tears and rejoice that you are so blessed as to be a grandparent of lovely children. Easter Blessings to you.
Oh, I love this today. It was said so well. It is so hard to say good-bye. Praying for your safety and for you to know your blessings. Brought tears to my eyes too.
The good-byes do not get easier. We miss you already, Dad & Mom/Papa & Grammy.
I replayed the many years I experienced these same scenes and must admit the tears came again. This kind of love/hurt/tears God DOES turn into GOOD as we continue to have grateful hearts. May you once again feel His comfort and peace. Love Glori
Post a Comment