Last week I made a trip back to Albuquerque for work. I've taken a handful of trips to New Mexico over the last year, but for the most part have been in Boston working remotely. Now that things are a little more settled here I'm shifting focus back to New Mexico. And that means increased travel...and time away from Emmett.
For the most part Emmett hasn't had to deal with separation from his parents for a year. It was a rude awakening when Katy dropped me off at the airport last Tuesday. Strapped in his car seat in the back of the car, he absolutely fell apart when he realized I was leaving. Crying and crying and crying, big crocodile tears rolling down each cheek, completely beside himself. And having to leave, I was helpless to make him happy. As Katy drove away, Emmett kept his tear-filled eyes trained on mine until we were out of sight.
I was so sad for the little guy. It really tugged at the heart strings of the tough, rugged man that I am.
I entered the airport, spent about 40 minutes going through security, then grabbed some breakfast. And that's when the phone rang. It was Katy, and Emmett was in the background wailing. I guess he had cried all the way home and was still crying back in Katy's parent's house. Katy was looking for relief she hoped Skype could provide. So we connected via video chat and before long Emmett stopped crying and calmed down. Five minutes later he was back to his happy old self, and the next thing I knew he jumped up and ran out of the room happy as a clam.
Well, mourning my loss was short lived.
I was feeling just a little sad that Emmett had gotten over me so quickly...when he came back in the room, coat and hat in hand: "ma ma, go get daddy?"
My heart melted again.
Throughout the day Emmett must have Skyped me 15 times. And we kept in close contact throughout the rest of the week. It was fun to show him the house, his room and toys, read him stories, introduce him to the stucco repair man, and let him visit with friends and neighbors. It was almost like we were all back home in Albuquerque again.
How grateful we are for the iPads which keep us close when the distance is great. Many thanks to all of you who participated in these wonderful gifts which are still putting a smile on Emmett's face a year later.
3 comments:
There's a lot of love in your little family. :)
Thank you so much for these precious stories of what is happening.
It's hard what your family is going through. You guys are great though and our prayers are continually with you.
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