Over the past week I have had the great blessing of spending
time or seeing nearly all my nephews and nieces and Godchildren. There have
been visits, movies, hugs, high fives, tears, laughter, shy hellos, tea parties
and great discussions. What a blessing indeed, but also a reminder of the
upcoming farewell. As my nephew said to me the other day, ‘I won’t say good-bye
Uncle, I’ll just say see you later.’ Which is so true, it really will just be
see you later or see you next time I’m home for a visit, but still the separation
does tug at my heart.
My eleven year old nephew is an amazing boy, and our similar
characteristics and emotional responses are quite interesting and have been the
discussion of many family conversations. Not having any children of my own he is the
closest example I have of looking in a mirror and seeing me growing up. He fascinates
me; his imagination and mind are always at work. He is a deep thinker, wears
his heart on his sleeve a lot of the time, he loves to play, has an awesome
memory, asks deep questions and ponders things from many different angles. When
I look back on my journey I don’t know if I was aware as what he is at such a
young age. I hope and pray he will continue to have these gifts a she grows
older.
Since I told him about my ‘big move’ and the adventure ahead
with the Franciscans we have shared a few tears, some big hugs and have asked a
lot of questions. Some realities are harder to understand for both of us.
Within one conversation we discussed how I won’t be home for Thanksgiving
(which I really didn’t think would be a big deal for him) to him realizing that
in a short 5 years he will be old enough to drive and pick me up from the
airport or come and visit on his own (which I really hadn’t thought of). We
have discussed how I will still be able to be in touch with them and will come
home for visits. He shared with me how he is happy for me but sad at the same
time and then we shared more tears and hugs.
It’s moments like these that like he said are 'happy but sad'.
I am happy to be able to share such
special times with him and all my nephews, nieces and Godchildren, but I have
to be honest I am a bit sad that they won’t be as frequent or as easily coordinated.
I am however excited for the adventure ahead and that makes me happy, in fact
it offers me joy. The sadness I will encounter I’m sure will be short lived as I
will have fond memories to get me through and e-mail or phone call to help me be
connected again to those I love.
Something my nephew said that struck me was, ‘I pray for
you every night… because I know this is a good thing and you will be helping
people and that is a good thing too.’ Wow, what a gift he has offered me, what an
affirmation and hope-filled outlook even if his heart is sad. This amazing boy touches
my life and my heart in so many ways. I am so grateful for him and his prayers.
His simple voicing that he prays for me eased my heart and so I once again
humbly ask for your prayers as well as I journey ahead.
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