Very special time

We are spending the last 24-hours with Willow, before she and her mother depart for France, via Australia and Germany. We have said many goodbyes to Willow over her eight, short years, as she has travelled back and forth between France and New Zealand. But this goodbye is different. I know it is.

For starters, Genevieve has completely emptied her pantry, something she has never done before. We have been the fortunate recipients of this produce, which took me some time this morning making room for, in many cases, the doubling up of items.

Willow has given away most of her books, and her stuffed toys have returned to the op shops, bar a special few which will accompany her back to France, all with their own, special, hand-made tickets.

We know the pair will return to New Zealand for a short holiday in September next year, but that is the only hint of any returning, nothing permanent. There is a real finality about this latest move. I know Genevieve wants continuity of schooling from now on. She needed her residency, which required a straight two-year spell in our country and she has done that, which will allow her to return whenever she does want to, without having to put an appearance back in the country every couple of years.

We have not had the conversation directly; I think we are both skirting around it, me having to ask if she ever intends coming back to live, with her having to give an answer she knows I don’t want to hear.

I am fortunate in that Genevieve is an excellent communicator and fantastic with sharing photos of the things she has got up to over weekends and holidays. I know we will zoom regularly and she will keep me informed of Willow’s progress and that we will get to talk regularly. Another thing I am grateful for is that Willow has had these two years perfecting her English and is old enough now to retain this knowledge. I know conversations between us will take place.

And I also know that Genevieve’s family are equally looking forward to their time with this special young lady and their daughter.

For readers new to this blog, Willow’s father, Daniel, my son, died when she was just 14 months old, making this child extra special to us all on this side of the world.

One might wonder why I am at my computer writing this with just a few short hours left, but we have had our morning walk and Willow is now watching a movie. Her mother will join us later. The four of us have had so many special times together, filled with laughter, over the last couple of years. Genevieve helped me at the Mind, Body, Spirit fairs before her back gave her trouble.

I am sure tonight will be no different, though bitter sweet at the same time. I am already feeling the sadness but so grateful for the time we have had together.