Parents Trip

A few days ago was the end of my parents time in Africa. It was a hard day saying goodbye. It's funny how 5 months spent here goes by in a flash, but when you think about being away from family for another 7 months is seems like a long time.
We did a lot while my parents were here. We visited friends, did home visits, went into Kruger Park, Blyde River Canyon, Shangana Village, into Swaziland, community stay, went to St. Lucia and swam in the Indian Ocean. What an incredible time!
I know my parents were deeply challenged during their time here. We had some tough moments, but I really believe they are all the better for it. It hurt me to see them struggle, but in the end I think it was a good thing. Something that opened their eyes. Sometimes we all need a push. It's not easy to break out of our routines that govern our daily lives. When we are forced to break out, our mind wrestles with itself. You are terrified and left to ask silly questions and try to rationalize your own thoughts in your head. But we grow.
I feel so proud that my parents took that step. Of their 35 years together this was their first real trip. It's hard for me to fathom how challenging it must have been. I lay here wishing now that I could go knock on their door to just talk or play crib. There was a lot of crib playing while they were here. I miss them already. My Dad always says that Ralph's don't do good with goodbyes and it's true I struggle. What a life changing time and an incredible time.

-T