And there were tears ...

As expected, it was an emotional send off at the airport yesterday as Isti said her final farewell to us with the possibility of never seeing us again, or at least in a long long time.

The reality of it, as you would expect, didn't sink in with Nigel, Shannon and Amber (Shannon is crying in the picture because she got scolded for eating her lunch too slowly) but I feel sad for the kids. Amber for one will probably not even remember her as she grows older and the two elder ones will just allow memories of her to fade into the distant horizon like fuzzy clouds which disappear over time leaving you to wonder if they ever really happened.

Celest and I completely appreciate all the effort she put in, the time she spent with the kids and how she took care of them almost like her own. Well, when you get a good helper, it's hard to let go.

Earlier tonight just before the kids slept, they were talking about her and I think they are just beginning to miss her. Nigel called out to her when we returned, and I think he just wanted to say her name to see what happens. He later said he felt like crying. Shannon too keeps asking to speak with her on the phone. (I called "Isti" last night as I walked by her empty room too, I'm not sure why. Nothing. Just eerie silence.)

I just found out that Shannon gave Isti one of her Barbie dolls for her to take home and sleep with - but our little girl was mature enough to say that "Aunty Isti can keep the doll to sleep with. But if she comes back, she has to return it to her". I'm proud of Shannon, and Nigel and how they've handled things so far.