Another milestone: Isti is leaving

Tears will be shed at the airport tomorrow as we send Isti back to her hometown in Indonesia. She basically doesn't want to be a domestic helper anymore but needs to try her hand at something else, something Celest and I understand and fully support.

Yet, it is as if a member of our family is leaving us. She has been with us for a lifetime (well .. based on Shannon and Amber's perspective at least) and has been at the center of our household for the past 4 years. She greets us every morning, takes care of the kids, cooks most of our meals and keeps everything neat and tidy. The children know that she's always there when they call and that if mum and dad are angry, they can run to her - although that's wrong. :)

It's going to be an empty feeling, and house, without her around and all of us will miss her dearly. But as with all things, the inevitable ending must come.

I doubt she's going to read this but Isti, thank you so much for all your help, friendship and fun you've given our family over the past 4 years. You've grown with us, been with us through ups and downs and literally watched the children grow from tiny little infants to the monsters they are now. You took ownership of them and they came to know, rely and trust you like a real aunt.

Life moves on and you need to move on too. Your next adventure awaits you and opportunities exist everywhere. But we do hope to receive a call from you one day soon saying you want to return and work with us again! Till then, farewell and may the memories you have with our family remain with you always - like you will always remain in ours.

Take care Isti.