This was an extremely emotional day for our family as we had to say goodbye to a family member. Kristina boarded her plane headed back to her beloved family in Germany earlier this afternoon. It was extremely difficult watching her walk away into the airport terminal and not knowing when we will see her again. We all hope it is sooner rather than later.
Over the past 10 months we have had some extreme highs and lows... some very rocky points and some smooth sailing... but alas isn't that what having a family is all about?
I have to be honest that when we "picked out" Kristina from the thousands of portfolios with Aspect Foundation I truly thought her time here would be extreme bliss. (Mental pictures of us running in fields of sunflowers holding hands was the bliss I was imagining). I thought we were picking the one girl that would "complete" our family for the next 10 months.
However, hindsight 20/20 I have realized there is no perfect person out there, nor is there a perfect family to blend into. With much retrospect and reflection today I have realized that we are not at all an easy family to come into, and Kristina did an AMAZING job adjusting to us and our chaotic, hectic, stressful lives. (Welcome to America baby!). Kristina saw us at our worst, and as she pointed out, also at our best. We also saw the same of Kristina... her worst, her best, and most importantly HER for who she was. So yes... she did complete our family... she was that one girl!
Did we annoy each other? Sure we did. Did we fight? Sure we did. Were there personality conflicts? Sure there were... but isn't there always with me? Having Kristina here taught me more about myself then I think I care to admit at this point. However, most importantly, she taught me patience, understanding, extended love and support.
Kristina became an amazing big sister to both Gabriella and Mason, who are missing her now more than words can describe. (Gabby is obsessively kissing pictures of Kristina from time to time today and Mason is carrying around the blue box of pictures Kristina made for him as a farewell gift).
As the day draws to an end, and the slow realization that Kristina is not coming home tonight... nor coming home again to our house is starting to settle in. As I tore apart her bed tonight to wash the linens it hit me again how final this day was... and I began to cry.
Kristina, thank you for being you. Thank you for being a part of us. Thank you for putting up with us, trying to understand us and for all of your help. You will be greatly missed.
PS... you have some dishes to do... oh and can you feed the dogs and take them outside?
