Dear one,
When I returned to China after my study leave, we’d had three years together. Your older sister was able to write to me herself. Your younger sister, well, she was young enough that she could only hold onto the idea of me, but due to her age I faded from her. But you, you remembered me in your own four-year-old way.
When Valentines Day came you dictated the following to your mom:
And I wept when I read it.
I missed you too. And I love you. And part of me has also been waiting until I came home.
Your love, and the love of your sisters, never faded the way your Valentine did.
I knew it would fade, but I wanted to look at it every day and know that this call, though worth it, costs you too. So I hung it where it would be exposed to day light and not packed away, with false safety, in a drawer. Much like the love we share, exposed to the elements and not guarded out of fear. You hadn’t asked to be a part of this overseas life, you were born into it, yet you loved me wide and fierce none-the-less.
And today, today, your wait is over. I leave soon for the airport and as hard as it is to go, knowing you and others have been waiting, softens the blow.
I’m on my way back. Get those arms ready for a hug :).
Your crazy Aunt Amy
Love, love,LOVE the word picture of “false safety in a drawer” and “exposed to the elements and not guarded out of fear” and a love that is “wild and fierce.” This is TRUE love. Safe journey to you, Amy. :)
Kristi, I know you too are one who has boldly rejected safety but living an “out of the drawer” life :). Welcome to the elements, fellow traveler … so thankful not to be alone!
Thanks for the encouraging comment. :) I’ve always loved rain and wind. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve taken walks in the rain or watched a storm from my parent’s front porch with the rain blowing in. It is good to have the Maker of the storm along side as well as fellow travelers to help you navigate through the rains and wind of a life not guarded out of fear. Good words, my friend.
Can’t wait to see you!
Nor I you!
Aahhhh, crap….and now I’m the crazy aunt leaving and packing away those little reminders of the loves I’m leaving behind!! It just doesn’t ever get any easier….and now I’m crying!!
:) … no it doesn’t get easier. And here’s another one — Ms K grabbed my face last night and asked, “Aunt Amy, how long are you staying?!” — a long time, I replied. “At least 365 days?” Yes.
Safe travels home Amy! All the best. hugs, from one crazy aunt to another. :)
I love that we are legion!
Have a safe trip. Hope to see you in Denver.
Thanks! :)
Beautifully expressed. By you and by Katy. Love to you as you travel through the months and years of re-entry. “Awesome” adventures ahead.
Thanks Joy :) … I know this is a process that will go on for a while and that there will be many faithful friends like to walk the path. Amy
Thank you for this. I teared up a little. I went through some love notes from my nieces yesterday. Your story, this story, is my story and their story too. I’m not home yet, but you bet there will be some gargantuan hugs when that day comes again.
Enjoy the ones you love.
Great last word B … enjoy the ones we love. Yes! and more of that please :). (The hugs, they are something to delight in, I can say!)
Safe travels Amy. So glad to find you again, and know we welcome you home in spirit and from not too far away Panhandle. We will make you Bronco bread when you are ready.
Sounds good Elizabeth! So glad to have reconnected with you too!!
Amy,
I am sure that Valentines Day card faded right into your heart.
Oh Mark, you know it! :) I can quote it by memory!
This is SWEET, Amy, and I’m so excited for you to be in the States with ones you love! Even with all the mixed emotion that this HUGE transition undoubtably holds…