The hardest goodbyes

We’ve said a lot of goodbyes to a lot of friends over the last couple of weeks, as we’ve slowly carried out our exit strategy. Then it came down to our nearest and dearest, those that would probably miss us most. It’s been there in the background for a long time and as our departure got closer we knew the grandparents would feel it most acutely. But they know it’s just for a short time, can rationalise and plan to come and see us or speak on the phone, read emails or face time the kids.

One member of our tribe doesn’t do email or phone calls and can't get his head around face time. Frankly his communication leaves something to be desired and it's never easy to know what he's really thinking. But recently there have been those sideways glances and the mournful looks, maybe it's just my guilt that he knows we’re leaving him behind.

He’s 10 years old now, and has watched our kids grow up and everything change around him, he's been through it all with us, steady and calm always. We've even started going grey together, I guess we're pretty close and that makes abandoning him all the more difficult. I hope he stays safe, enjoys his lovely foster family and forgives us when we return. He was one of my hardest goodbyes... See you soon Scully.

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