IMG_0858_1We would be remiss in telling Nadine’s story if we didn’t admit the end was bittersweet, not only because it’s difficult to say goodbye to someone you’ve shared your home with and been responsible for in every way for the better part of a year, but also because Nadine’s trip to the States was cut short by two weeks when her grandmother back home fell deathly ill.

As emotional as the scene was at the airport a few minutes after this photo was taken by a fellow police officer, I think the three of us are at peace with the way things played out.  We talked at length with Nadine about her early return during the three days notice we had to deal with it and came away impressed with both her father’s desire to reunite the family in a time of crisis as well as Nadine’s ability to leave in God’s hands what is only God’s business.

By the time I author this post, Nadine is safely home.  We’ve spoken to her on the phone.  She’s unpacked, surrounded by loved ones and close friends, and is happy to be back after a long period away from Germany.  She loved her time in the U.S., but think about what it feels like when you’re at the end of a tiring vacation and finally arrive at home base; now magnify that x 10 months.

Here at our place, things are  quieter.  We miss Nadine at the dinner table.  Denise surely misses her companionship and competitiveness in playing the marbles game the girls enjoyed so much.  I miss having someone else around to make fun of Gracie, our dog, when she does something weird like eating her own poop.

I’ve decided in the midst of all these competing thoughts, memories and emotions, it’s not the end per se; Nadine’s return home represents new beginnings for both Nadine, and Denise and I.

We never experienced what it’s like to bring children into the world (not for a lack of trying mind you), so it’s pretty cool to know we have a beautiful daughter out there, a solid international citizen of untold future promise, who we helped raise.

We love you, kid.

Jeff & Denise

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