It seems like a brilliant idea -- rocky coasts, pints, men with accents -- but suddenly you're saying goodbye at the Dublin airport and the international work assignment loses a bit of its luster. You watch your mom inch toward the security area, and she's trying to keep her emotions in check. So now you are too. You realize that even though you don't see her very often, she now returning to a place far away.
You know that your grandma is going to die before you go home again, and your nephews will be a year older. You wish you could hear your dad's voice.
You thought about all this before you left the States, you knew it, but now it's very real. You think to yourself, I chose this.
Your mom gives a brave wave, you do the same. When she is out of sight, you collect yourself, head to the car park and pay with the euros that you actually remembered to bring. You exit the car park without harming yourself or others. This is the victory for the day.
You pull out of the airport and see the beautiful sky, the countryside, the "otherness" of everything. This is why you did it. The adventure resumes.
Been there... well, to some of it. I've lived away from my parents for more than half my life, and I still cry at the airport when I/they leave. Decided it's a good thing! Better than feeling relief!
Good to meet you today. See you soon. :-)
Posted by: Wondering | 09 March 2008 at 17:17