It shouldn't be surprising that tension was high in the house last week. Everyone's feelings were swinging from excitement to sorrow, almost on an hourly basis, our hearts at the ends of pendulums suspended by taut heartstrings.
A few times, the strings broke. Tears, anger, frustration, withdrawal if it happened on the downswing; bouts of laughter, impromptu hugging, jumping up and down on the upswing. Then practicalities would set in, and we were back at work.
It is work, packing one's life into two suitcases, a carry-on, and a laptop bag. There were last-minute shopping and bank runs. The traveler, Virgo that she is, packed and repacked days ahead, wisely weighing her luggage to avoid extra fees. Her father, ever the problem-solver, figured out a way for her to handle the luggage on her own at her arrival. Her mother was more worried about making memories with favorite family meals and a girls' night out. Her brother joined her on Pokemon hunts and video game playing, both of them staying up past their parents' bedtimes.
Friday came quickly. We were out the door on time, and arrived in Houston a few hours later, with the added good fortune of hotel rooms ready before noon. The traveler went into work mode, meeting up with fellow employees to take a shuttle to orientation.
A reception at the residence of the Consul General of Japan brought everyone together again. The friendliness of the staff, coordination of the JET program, and sparkling personalities of the JET applicants added to the excitement of this new venture. Speeches and toasts were made, and then it was back to the hotel for one last family meal. The traveler visited with us for awhile in our room, but left to join her roommate for the night.
Sleep was hard to come by that evening, and no one was overly hungry for breakfast in the morning--except the brother, who had chocolate cake left over from the night before. We went to help the traveler and her roommate with their luggage, meeting the rest of the group crowding into the hotel lobby. Seeing them onto the bus, we left ahead of the shuttles and waited for their arrival at the airport.
It takes awhile to check in a group of more than three dozen fliers, but we didn't mind; it gave us time to talk and meet some of the other travelers.
Bags checked, boarding pass and passport in hand...it was time to say goodbye at the security gate. Three rounds of hugs, and she was off. We watched through teary eyes on a balcony overhead as she made her way through the scans and on to the terminal, waiting as she laced on her purple converse sneakers. With a wave and blowing kisses, she joined the others heading towards the international terminal. We didn't leave until her feet disappeared beneath the ceiling line below us.
It was a quiet ride back to the hotel. As we loaded the car, planes flew over us every few minutes, and we tried to guess which one was hers, saying goodbye to each just in case.
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The traveler arrived safely in Tokyo thirteen hours later.
For the next year or two, a piece of our hearts will be twelve hours ahead, plus two.
Yes, as one living far away from my family the distance makes it challenging. She will love the program! I hope you will get to visit eventually. I loved the way you told the progression.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Ms.Victor! She is already feeling at home, as this is her third trip to Japan; the last round was in the fall for study abroad. We visited last November; if she stays longer than a year, we may visit again next summer!
DeleteBeautifully written! All the details! My favorite was "lacing her purple converse sneakers"! And I loved that I had to keep reading to know who the traveler was. And I guess because of my own connection to this story, I needed a kleenex. My 24 year old traveling daughter leaves September 18th for an 8-month job in France, teaching English in an Elementary School. Only 6 hours away but away is away. Thanks for sharing your slice!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter will be doing the same in Japan (in middle schools), and one of her JET mates did a stint in France as well, and loved it. I hope you get to visit your daughter overseas!
DeleteThose darn kids, they just keep growing up and going away. Such great experiences for them, and so hard for us as parents to say goodbye. You have captured the poignancy of the week so beautifully here. Will you share this with your traveler?
ReplyDeleteIt's a bittersweet victory, isn't it? The culminating goal of parenting...She does confess to reading my blog from time to time. ;-)
DeleteYou brought tears with this one, Chris. Saying goodbye to our children, no matter the age, is hard, but then we want it too. We raised them to have adventures. Beautiful, and glad she's there, off to this new experience! Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. I am excited for her; she is so happy in Japan. I think it will hit me the hardest at the holidays.
DeleteAwww...I don't know what I'm going to do when my kids reach this age. I'm sure it's very hard letting go. :) ((Hugs))
ReplyDeleteIt is, but at the same time, it's magnificent, seeing them fly and do it well. Everything you want as a parent!
DeleteThis broke my heart a little. I hope she writes about her experience and shares everything with you. xo
ReplyDeleteThe sadness and the pride vie for the same real estate in my heart. She mentioned she might start blogging about her experience; I hope she does!
DeleteA beautiful chain of events. Well written. You brought a tear to my eyes. It sounds like she is with a great group. She likes Japan and I know she will do well over there. She is indeed a wonderful Granddaughter. She'll be in my prayers as you were when you decided to stay in Austin instead of returning to El Paso. Thanks Chris. Love Ya, Dad.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dad.
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