Getting sad

We're going home tomorrow.

Let's analyze that statement. "We're" implies more than one, maybe a group. It means I'm not alone. That's a positive. "Going" means forward motion--again, a positive. "Home." What warmer word can you image than "be it ever so humble, there's no place like" it. "Tomorrow" indicates hope (cue Annie, "The sun will come up, tomorrow...bet your bottom dollar things will be better tomorrow"). So at face value, "we're going home tomorrow" sounds wonderful. Then why am I getting sad?

The "we're" doesn't include all my family here in China. Judy and I make up the "we." When "we" leave, we'll be leaving 4 of our precious clan behind. We arrived 2 weeks ago today and have savored our time. We've connected with our littlest one here. Trinity is so lovable and snuggle able. (When I'm holding her and begin to whisper in her ear she places her head against mine and just listens. Gotta love that as well as her head bumps, which she freely gives.) Grace is a hoot. She's so creative and fun. Her mind (and mouth)is always going and she just makes us laugh. Even though she's my grandchild, she is exceptionally smart and so much fun. Brigitte and Kevin are incredible as parents and in what they do in-country. (Just doing life in this place is a full-time job; so inconvenient, but they do it with class.)

"Going" in this case means separation. We're planning for Judy to return this summer, but I honestly don't know when I'll be with this part-of-my-heart again. (They're doing Christmas with Kevin's parents next year in Europe. Can't dwell on this thought very long or it will spoil our remaining day-and-a-half here.)

"Home" is a very positive thought. I love being with my wife of 39 years. We've not had much time together for a long time since she was involved in her radiation treatments in Houston. This will be great--reconnecting with my beloved spouse.

"Tomorrow" in this case is very near. As I write we've got about 26 hours til our tomorrow comes due.

Between now and then, we're going to squeeze all the enjoyment we can out of each moment. I've got to fill my memory bank during these next 26 hours and overdose on head bumps and Grace moments. (Why am I spending time blogging--I've got grand kids to spoil?!?!)