Sunday, January 31, 2010

Auf Wiedersehen mein schönes Fräulein













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Friday June 29th was Nadine's 17th Birthday. I took the afternoon off work, she had as many of her friends in as possible, and we celebrated with a first for her - a Dairy Queen layer cake. It was delicious! (They couldn't do a chameleon so I opted for a lizard; Nadine has owned them as well.)
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Then early Saturday morning, we headed to the airport to say goodbye. She's back home now with her happy parents; and I'm sure that all the many chameleons are jumping up and down for joy in their terrariums and that they've changed into their brightest and most festive colors to welcome her back!
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It was hard sitting there waiting for her to board. We did our best not to think of how short our time was.*
We remembered all the wonderful times we've had together. And I thought of how much I'd come to love this little German girl. She is very special!*
Another German friend, Sophia, was returning home on the same flight. So between our two families and the extra international students who drove in with me to say goodbye, it was a very tearful time.*
Then 10:30 am came. One more last hug and kiss. I think it was particularly hard for Nadine and Adriana to say goodbye; they'd become like sisters. *
Then one last wave goodbye (See Nadine; no one can see the red eyes and nose from this distance!) -- and she was gone!*
This house was much quieter last night. We shall miss her sooo much! (I'm crying just writing this!)
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But we will see each other again! And she'll always have a home here with me!

11 comments:

Suburban Princess said...

Awww that must be so hard! Maybe she will be able to come back for a visit!

Your new do is very cute!

Gail said...

This is such a wonderful opportunity for students in all countrys.

Through the years, we have had German and Spanish.

She will be back.

Delena said...

It's so darn hard saying good bye to people we love.

Terra said...

You captured the sadness of parting with Nadine so well, but I am sure the fun of knowing her was well worth it, and you can visit in future, I hope.
Adorable lizard on the cake, by the way.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

It would be hard saying good bye. It seems she just got there. But I know she was there just long enough to be enveloped into your family and I know you'll be missed as much as you miss her too. So nice though that you and her friends could celebrate her birthday together and how wonderful that you both got the chance to know each other.

Unknown said...

I'm sure your paths will cross again!

CB said...

Oh that made me tear up. Saying goodbye to someone you love it so hard.
What a neat thing the experience and bond you had with this sweet young woman :D

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

Wow, that's so sweet that you would do that. What a great thing for you and her.

Marie Rayner said...

It is always so very hard to say goodbye to someone you care so much about. I miss Dairy Queen cakes. I will be home for my mother's birthday this summer. I think I shall have to get her one!! xxoo

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Awwwww, already? I'm so glad you both got to share in this wonderful opportunity. I have no doubt you will someday see each other again. I'm sad it was so hard to say good~by!

You have a great day filled with the blessings of peace!!!

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

Oh, that made me want to cry. I hate saying goodbyes to loved ones!
Hugs from me!
Kim

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