So, to be honest, we really wanted to slip out of Portland without fanfare. It seems ridiculous to pay our trip any attention or notice when so many more important things are happening in the world, both the great big world and our little world of Portland, Maine. We justified the event hosted by my sister, Julie, and best friend, Michele, by saying that it was important for others to be able to say good bye to us. I honestly believed this...
But then we arrived and saw my stepdad frying up clams and scallops for the Maine food table. We met and visited with seven of Vic's colleagues from the lab who came, met our families, and brought photos of his work with teachers. We saw his NY relatives who made an 8 hour car trip to surprise us. We saw friends and dear neighbors from all of the phases of Renata and Luca's lives. We heard my father in law give the perfect toast. We watched my sister run around like one of her hens to make sure that everyone had a cold drink and a familiar person to talk with. People gave us lovely personal and generous gifts and lovely personal advice on adjusting to our new life in China. Michele and Brian wrote and performed a song all about us, for real.
So what did I learn? This party was definitely for us. We are so humbled, again.
Oh, I so wanted to be there too - to see you and wish you all the best. Unfortunately we had a family gathering in NY - and had to deliver my sister's children back to her. (She is, by the way, although bald and a little out of shape, doing well.)Have a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteRemember when you did the same for us with my cousin Chrissy when we left Portsmouth 13 years ago????
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