gone

The Babe's favorite Aunt and Uncle were in town for about 3 weeks. They had been in Bulgaria in the Peace Corps, and we hadn't seen Aunt D in almost 2 years. Mind you, The Babe was just 2.5 years old when Aunt D left for the Peace Corps. They had a special relationship before she left, and I was afraid that The Babe wouldn't remember Aunt D while she was gone. I needn't have worried. They picked up right where they left off. Aunt D met and married Uncle R while in Bulgaria, but it's safe to say he quickly climbed the ranks to favorite Uncle. I even think that they rank as favorites for The Boy, although he's too young to actually say it.

The time they were in town was magical. They are terrific with the kids, they play every board game on the planet, they make up crazy games about hiding from sharks while in the clubhouse outside, they invented 'tickle gloves', they play crazy games with superballs... you name something a kid wants to do and Aunt D and Uncle R are game for it.

But, we knew their stay would be brief. Aunt D and Uncle R are moving to the Pacific Northwest to settle down and start their offical U.S. married life. I tried to prepare The Babe for this departure. She knew that Aunt D and Uncle R were leaving. The saddest thing is that we have no idea when they will be able to come back for a visit. It will easily be months, perhaps over a year, before we see them again. The Babe cried last night, as she sensed that my hesitation meant something bad when she asked when she would see them again. She cried, and I didn't even know what to do or say to comfort her. I felt useless.

This morning, Aunt D was packing up a few things for the long drive, and The Babe looks right at her and just says "Always remember..." and sort of trails off. Aunt D asks "always remember what?", to which The Babe answers "Always remember me." Oh, it was heartbreaking. I could have cried all day just for that moment.

I really can't describe it, but something magical happens when Aunt D and Uncle R are here. I am sad to see them go.