See you later, not goodbye

We dropped Pete off at the airport this morning. It was a day we knew was coming for a long time, but like everything, it seems like time speeds up just when you don't want it to. This morning was a rush, trying to get everything together. We got to the airport in plenty of time. When we got to the ticket counter, the bags were overweight, not a surprise since Pete had to use all of his muscle to get the thing closed. We had to switch things from the suitcase to the hockey bag, once that was completed, we had to switch some things back in order to get the right weight for both bags. By the end, we were both sweating.

We took a few pictures, said hello to a couple of Pete's friends who came to say goodbye. All too soon, it was time for us to say goodbye. How do you say goodbye to someone who entered your home as a stranger and is leaving as part of your family? A quick hug can't convey the depth of emotion you feel as you realize it will be quite a while before you see each other in person again.

Later, when I got home, I opened the cupboard door to look up a neighbor's phone #. Pete had left the following message on our phone list:

Pete mentioned that it was much easier leaving Finland in August then leaving Minnesota. I agree. It was much easier to welcome a stranger then to say goodbye to a son.