I feel like this is becoming a habit: Relatives come to visit and I end up writing a "good-bye" blog after coming back home, seeing that they are truly gone, and feeling sad... This time, however, it's been even harder because Daniel is also missing his Vovô. We dropped him off at the airport this afternoon and Daniel has already asked about him... How can you explain to a 16th month old that his Vovô, a very loving and friendly man who has played with him for over 2 weeks and was "living in the basement", is just not here anymore? Well, this has made saying goodbye to my Daddy even harder....
But, before I let my emotions take over, I'm trying to focus on the wonderful 16 days that we just spent together. It truly was such a wonderful time: lots of love, lots of laughter, lots of playing, lots of having fun... and there were even some tears during meaningful conversations... For all of this, I'm very grateful.
Thank you Daddy, thank you Vovô, for coming all this way to visit us! We love you so much and we are already missing you!!! Oh Lord, it's not easy being far away from our loved ones!
You know, after my dad left I have been thinking a lot about him and what a special man he is. And suddenly it hit me and I was able to clearly define what in my dad is so special: he is a very humble person, a rare example of humility. He loves God, thinks first of others, loves to serve others, is very generous when he sees a need, and just doesn't think much about himself (he says he doesn't even really look in the mirror, just doesn't worry about what he looks like!). My dad is one of the most humble persons I have ever met, and for this, I'm truly grateful. To have my own dad as an example of humility, something that I strive to grow in, is truly a blessing for our family. I even bet that as he reads this, he will be thinking "No, my daugther, you shouldn't think that about me." Yes Daddy, that's exactly why I do; thank you for being this to me also! We love you and we can't wait until we are together again!
Vovô Daddy loved taking care of Daniel at the park...
Enjoying one of many wonderful dinners - this one with Maria Helena too...
He loved carrying Daniel...
Daniel enjoying his Vovô at a friends house on the 4th of July Holiday - thanks for these great photos Evy!
Vovô got to witness Daniel enjoy his swim class!
We also visited the Memorial Park...
Vovô got to eat Maryland Crabs!!! He liked them but thought the Old Bay Spice was a bit too spicy!
Hanging out on the deck...
Vovô was always so tender with Daniel...
I really love my Daddy...
On our way to the airport...
Last photo at the airport - sad but thankful. Daniel was looking at the airport busses and had no idea what was happening!
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Aninha,
ReplyDeleteYour blog of today, saying "good bye" to your Daddy and sharing the impact of your Daddy's attitudes on you, made me cry! I deeply share with you the entire description you sincerely wrote about your Daddy: he is the humblest person I have ever met in my life too, and this makes me be so close and attached to him, despite of the circumstances of our lives. I love the Daddy that God gave you and Fafa through me! And I am very thankful to God to have chosen me to play this role in your lives! I recognize that this is a very special blessing from God and this makes me feel good, at peace while I am engaged in my journey in this earth.
I am sure that our little prince, our boy wonder, Daniel Peter, will also treasure "Vovô Daddy" during all his life for the human being "Vovô Daddy" is! Let me join you, Jonny and Daniel to pray for God to give your Daddy health and strength to be able to participate in Daniel's personal and professional development for many and many years to come.
Aninha, finally I want to say that I am very proud of you, "meu rabinho doce", for being the person you are, for opening up your feelings the way you do in your blog, allowing us to "touch" your heart and share with you all the positive insights you have towards special persons. This only comes from a very special human being like you, my daughter!
With God's blessings over you-Jonny-Daniel, my example of truly Christian family, I send you lots and lots of love. Your mommy.
This makes me remember the goodbye with my Mama. :( And what your Mommy wrote was SO sweet too! It's so hard being away from our family isn't it! That's why I'm so grateful for the church and the 'family' we have here! You'll be amazed at how well kids remember, so keep showing pictures or talking on Skype if you can. Marcus still remembers his Moeke (my mom). She came in March for 2 weeks (when he was 15 months) and we talk on Skype regularly. I'm so grateful for technology! :)
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