We said a lot of good byes but the hardest were the ones with local staff and friends. With some friends, there was a lot of "see you in DC" and "keep in touch on Facebook." With the local staff and local friends, there was a feeling that we might never see them again. That was hard. Our family has felt so much love from all of the communities we have interacted with here.
The most heartbreaking good bye was when we went to visit an elderly friend. As I hugged him when we were leaving, he and I both began to cry. Even if we are able to come back someday, I am not sure that he will still be here. He is a man who cherishes art and beauty and who is determined to preserve and share it, no matter what chaos may be going on around him in the city. I love and respect him for that. Visiting him and wandering his shop was always a reprieve. I felt my heart break as we left. I think it is when the leaving became reality. Shortly after that, my two oldest kids and I were sitting together crying our eyes out. We are excited for the future but there is a lot that we will miss too.
There were days when I felt like the beauty in Nuevo Laredo stood out so starkly, rising above the chaos that sometimes seemed to hold sway. I believe in Nuevo Laredo and in Mexico. I think they can win this fight and make their country a better place. I believe that because I met such wonderful people and made such wonderful friends. They can rise above any difficulty. I am still trying to figure out how I feel about everything for sure. One thing I can say is that I keep feeling like I will cherish the part of me that was created during these last two years in Nuevo Laredo.
8 comments:
*Hugs* On the bright side, the fact that the goodbyes are hard is testament to the wonderful friendships you've made at post. Leaving is never easy, especially when you really don't know if you'll see people again. It's one of the hardest part about this nomadic lifestyle.
I agree. It is so hard to leave knowing that so many goodbyes may be the last time you see people. It's worth it to have had the chance to know them though. We're adjusting slowly. Having a road trip has been nice. Lots of time to talk and process things, and time to adjust to the new adventures to come. Thanks for your thoughtful comment. It means a lot.
i just want you to know you are sincerely my FS mom idol. Despite the difficulty of this post, you always looked on the bright side and never bashed it like so many do when they are struggling. When I'm having a hard time at a post, wherever it may be, I will think of you and strive to be like you. Thanks and best of luck as you transition to the next stop.
((hugs)). I always imagined goodbyes would get easier with practice, but they never do, particularly when you know it will be the last time you see somebody. I'm glad you saw and appreciated the beauty of life there- you'll always be able to carry that with you.
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http://sadieabroad.blogspot.com/2011/07/state-department-blog-round-up.html
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Beautiful post. Congratulations. It makes me think - we just learnt about our next assignment, today, and I'm already thinking about the moment to say goodbye to dear ones... and to my original family, as well, since they were so happy for once, living close to the grandkids... That's life, and memories are the best part we take from this journey in the FS... :o)
We're all going to miss you and your family! I'm so glad we got to know you- and we will see you again- Until then, we always have the blogs and facebook. :) Safe travels!
I was overwhelmed to see all of your kind comments. Thanks so much. This online community has been so helpful during our tour. We had our struggles in Nuevo Laredo but we met so many great people too. And we learned to love the city in the times when we were able to be out and about. There were such feelings of both sadness and relief as we left. Kind of a mixed bag. I've done my share of complaining I am sure but I have also been blessed by wonderful people in both cities. I am so grateful for both our friends at post and my blog friends who have been there for us these past two years. We are truly blessed to have been here at this time. Thanks, all of you.
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