one year and almost two weeks

one year and almost two weeks ago lita left hong kong and our family.

i was going to write a post about this anniversary on november 1, but i wanted to scan the pictures the kids drew of lita and our family, which tell more than anything how loved and part of our family she remains.

however, i never got around to it (as you can tell), but i needed to write about lita, because she's still so essential to team caldwell. she helped get us to where we are, and loved us through it all. she calls, we email, she's doing so well in Canada. she has her learners and in less than one year, she will be a Canadian citizen. she has such courage.

the family she works with now loves her and she is happy with them. she tolerates the cold and although she doesn't know what she will be doing career wise one year from now, she is excited knowing a whole span of options that she never had before are opening up to her, and her family.

like with most major events, lita's departure seems oddly out of sync with "real time". most days it feels like she left one month ago. two, possibly. but then there are other times, like when something wonderful happens, especially with sela or sebastian and i will remember i have to wait until she calls until i tell her...and i realise it has been the pattern forever now.

i am happy to say the kids remember and love her just as much as i do. whenever they remember to pray, lita is included in those prayers. as is baby melissa, and de. they happily talk about the summer, when lita was with us, and anticipate when they will see her again.

that's not to say that they don't love gary and marianne, but lita was part of their earliest memories. her arms held them, her voice coaxed formula down their throat and persuaded them not to vomit yet another feeding up. four years of love, protection and wisdom. i am so glad that they look at pictures of lita and feel that love and security washing over them.

me, i look at those pictures with gratitude. that we survived. that she came into our lives. that she's still in them.

Comments

[Lala]

wow, time flies. What city is Lita in? My neighbor and I are thinking of sharing a nanny but I'm not sure where to begin......

[Jill]

I can't believe its been that long! I'm so glad she has a good family. The next year will go just as fast. Melo is leaving us after 3 1/2 years...and it will be tough. I'm glad technology is where it is today so you can keep in touch with Lita so much easier. Thanks for the post.

[Auntie Pammie]

It seems like so much longer since Lita left to move to Canada. I was so touched to see how the kids reacted to seeing her this summer, it was a beautiful sight to behold,, I wish her nothing but the best on her new adventure here. I also hope that the trips and Sebbie also get to keep a relationship going with her,,
Love to all,,
Auntie P xoxox

[Dad aka GDad Blake]

I think auntie Pam wants to keep on good terms with Lita in case she needs a mouse catcher at Fintry. Jackson lives!!
Love to all.....Dad