a city of transitions
05 Feb 2010 4 Comments
David, with his school buddy, Danielle
One of the major downsides to our international experience is the fact that families come and go. They rarely stay for long and there are constant goodbyes. The kids have all had close friends move away and it’s been a hard lesson for them to learn.
David has a school buddy named Danielle. She is from Ireland and a delightful little girl. We’ve met her parents and I get together with her mom quite often. We enjoy their company very much.
This past Thursday, David came home from school, devastated. I asked why he was so sad. “Miss Adrienne came to pick up Danielle early from school today. They are leaving for Shanghai!!”
“I know!”, I said. “Isn’t that neat?”
“MOOOOOMM!!! That is NOT neat!”, he said, with a horrified expression on his face.
It was then I realized he thought she was moving to Shanghai, not just going for the weekend. I quickly reassured him that they are coming back Sunday night. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he said, “Oh, whew. I thought I was losing another friend.”
Poignant, eh?
Feb 06, 2010 @ 02:56:55
um… sad… makes ME well-up for his thought process…
Feb 07, 2010 @ 03:50:18
This reminds me of my years in the military, when close friends came and went regularly. Looking back now, I suspect it left some permanent influence on my hesitation (sometimes, inability) to form really close relationships. Of course, in my case, that military experience spanned eight years. Part of life, I guess, no matter where or how we live — but, indeed, a very tough part of life. Only Jesus is guaranteed to never leave us or forsake us. Hallelujah!!! Your Cellar-Dweller who “lives under the floor at your house” (per L.)
Feb 15, 2010 @ 02:27:43
It’s SOOOO nice to have you back! Anti spam word “home” – where we are anxious to have you back as well!
Feb 23, 2010 @ 14:36:30
Yes, very touching! It reminded me of when the girl I liked in 5th grade moved away.