Today I Say Goodbye

To the most amazing family I could have imagined.  The Chaudron family have made this year the best year of my life, and for that I am eternally grateful.  They have showed me continuous love and support, and their kids have reserved a solid spot in my heart.  When I arrived in France, never did I imagine that I would become so attached to these kids so quickly.  Now that it's time to leave, I can't imagine how this is easy for anyone.  I have spent the past 2 days randomly crying at the little things they say or the gestures they do.  Every conversation with Valerie has ended in hugs and tears.  Every conversation with Nico ends with him graciously thanking me for everything, but it is me who should be thankful.  For the last year, I have been a mother figure to these children, answering their every call and being there for their every need.  How am I supposed to just say goodbye and walk away?  As I gave them their final hugs and kisses this morning as they left for the airport, I realized that as much as I will miss them and miss this life I have created here, it brings me so much joy to realize that I was a part of creating who they are and who they will become, even if I only played a small role.  They have grown so much in the last year and I am blessed to be apart of it.  I look forward to writing them postcards from all around the world.  I look forward to planning our next visit, whether in Paris, California, or wherever else we may end up.  Most importantly, I look forward to watching them grow up and seeing the wonderful people they become.  This year has been life-changing for me and I will only look back with the fondest of memories.  Now onto the next adventure!

Our last dinner together at Brasserie Gallopin