Friday, June 18, 2010

Last day...

Today is my daughter's last day of 10th grade and school in Germany.  She is really excited to move back to USA, but sad too. She has made some wonderful friends here and she will surely miss them.
Jumping for joy it's summer time!



Today is my Husband's last day at his job here. He too is looking forward to the next chapter, but loved working with his German colleagues. I think he will miss his work friends and the job he did.


This is my husband with his boss congratulating him on his success at a farewell dinner. It made me really proud to hear the appreciation from the customer and his boss. He worked his butt off for the last two years, benefits outweigh the negative.

It's weird for me to think they have both had wonderful celebratory goodbyes...lunches, dinners and parties.


I on the other hand have had.....nothing! Well that's not totally true, my vet shook my hand and wished me all the best. I think I should stop by Starbucks and say goodbye to my barista friends, they might wonder why they suddenly have too much chai latte in stock. I made a few connections here but they have already moved on. So am I ready to move on...yes!Will there be tears....no! Am I leaving with good memories? You bet! My family is closer than ever and the experience was worth all the tears, loneliness and antidepressants. Is it weird and a little sad for me to not have friends or connections here? Yes! I'm pretty social, I have friends since childhood. But here I totally struck out, I hope it hasn't ruined me from ever putting myself out there again.

I'm leaving here a stronger, confident, braver women and a bit guarded. This journey wasn't about me, it was about the growth of us as a family and individually. I may still be 5'4" but I feel so much taller!

Happy Friday!

33 comments:

kks said...

congrats to both Katelyn and hubby!! AND you for keeping the family afloat during the crazy transition to a foreign country!! you are the glue girl that made it a success! you should be very proud, and taller...(wish full thinking :))
you'll look back at this time with fond memories....excited for you for the next chapter in your life!!!
xoxo

Joyce said...

The family togetherness sticks...the best part of our overseas experience.

Best of luck with the move!

Local Girl said...

Good luck with the move home, I really look forward to reading about your adventures back in the US :)

Sonya said...

You did fantastic in germany..I know how hard it is to break into a new culture and it leaves you wondering if something is wrong with you..well it's safe to say,it's them and not you..lol You will always remember the time here,your daughter was given a great chance to see life outside the U.S.
Everything has it's good and bad. You will have a different outlook when you go home I bet. You will love things a little more in a sense but maybe see things you wish were more like germany. I really look forward to reading about your life back home. Eat a peanut butter cup for me:)

Matty said...

Wonderful memories is what it's all about. Some with pictures, others only in your minds. Closing one door, and now opening another.

Ina in Alaska said...

I have had fun staying in touch with you during your German adventure and following along on all of your adventures, ups and downs. It was a unique experience that I am sure you will always have a fondness for on some level even though, and I agree with you, it was not all a big basket of peaches. Glad you are getting back to the USA, I cannot wait for your next chapter. Much luck to you all on your packing, and travels and special wishes for Sophie as she journeys home too. xoxoxo

Boozy Tooth said...

Wonderful! Happy summer vacation to Katelyn and happy trails to you and hubby. {He's a handsome one, by the way!}

Can't wait to have you back in the states!

Much much love and safe travels across the pond, chica.

May said...

Frau, I am so glad I read your post!! It's seven months since we moved and I too have barely made friends. But not like the very strong social circle I have back home. My husband thinks something's wrong with me as i am not keen on searching for friendship. Two years down the line, it looks like I will be very much like you when leaving, and definitely will shed no tears!!

Sneaker Teacher said...

It's good to move when you feel really ready to do it and you know it's going to be a good change. Moving here was a bit tough at first, but I know when it's time to go back for good I will be really excited.

Good luck with your packing and everything!

forever folding laundry said...

I echo what 'kks' said. You may not have received the hoopla of a farewell, but without you, your family wouldn't have either. So congrats to you as well. And welcome {almost} back to the states!

~Keri

andrea's sweet life said...

I'm so excited for you, it's finally time for you to come back to the States! I think, even though you may not have made tons of friends living in Germany, it's not as if you didn't have anyone - you had us, your online friends! And the best part about US, is that you get to take us with you :). *Cheers* to your next adventure!

Deidra said...

I'm smiling as I read this. I don't think you struck out at all. After you get back to the states and have a chance to review your experience in Germany from a different vantage point, you'll see it, too. I hope you'll continue to share your journey with us. I really have enjoyed getting to know you through your blog. You make me laugh and I admire you. I really do.

Unknown said...

I love that you are leaving with good memories! I am so excited to go on the next leg of your adventure with you! XO

heidi said...

Here's to new beginnings!!!!

Lisa Page Rosenberg said...

While you were there... you did meet all of us! (But we're coming with you. Hope that's okay.)

Diann said...

Wow,Today is a big day! Good luck on the move and I hope you and your family have great memories of your years in Germany!

Claudya Martinez said...

What you did is huge! Your husband and daughter were in situations that encouraged the making of connections. You were kind of on your own. I think you should throw yourself a party. Even if it's just for the 3 of you.

lisaroy said...

Yes, it must be somewhat bittersweet. It's so nice that your daughter and husband had their farewells and I can totally relate to how you feel - I have felt the same way in Ireland. The only person I developed a friendship with was someone else from Canada who has since moved on to London. My husband is still there (I'm spending extended time in Canada this summer) so other than a couple of coworkers, he's in the same situation. My happy memories will definitely be more of the places we visited together and the travelling we were able to do, but as far as people reaching out, I wouldn't really have anyone to say goodbye to either. But I wouldn't trade the experience for anything - it's given me a chance to explore my interests, given us a chance to grow closer and above all, has given us such an appreciation for Canada.
I can't wait to hear about your move back! : )

Erika Jean said...

We're throwin' you a welcome back party here in the USA!! (in bloggyland of course!)

Expats Again said...

Best wishes for a smooth transition back into life in the U.S. I will certainly enjoy hearing about the next chapter of your life. It isn't easy being an expat and coming home is always the goal. You've done a great job and your family has grown because of it. Safe journey home.

Killara girl said...

i bet you can't wait....glad the rest of the family adapted well, and had a positive experience. It's hard when you're at home and not out with the same people every day with things in common. sometimes i feel like they're all living their lives and i'm just the life preserver keeping them afloat.

Joanna Jenkins said...

I cannot imagine moving to a country where I didn't know the language. You are VERY brave in my book. And if it will make you feel any better-- I lived in San Francisco for two years (where I did "speak the language") and didn't make ANY friends either. Sometimes I guess it's just not meant to be. But GREAT that it brought your beautiful family closer together. Not sure when you actually take off and I don't want to miss the chance to say safe travels.

Cheers,
jj

Her Preppiness said...

Congrats to all of you.

Purple Flowers said...

I'm glad your family has had many benefits from living in another country. And the fact that your coming home to the U.S. is just as great. Good Luck w/everything!

Anonymous said...

You've all done so well with your time in germany and now i know that being back in the usa will be great for you to. best of luck with the move. i hope we can keep in touch.
http://hollomaninourhearts.blogspot.com/

Liz Mays said...

It's really getting close! So exciting!

Unspoken said...

No place like home!

I Wonder Wye said...

Wow. Interesting journey. Good luck re- acclimating to the US!

Leslie said...

I am with the first comment(er).. you are the glue that keep the family together while living in Germany. Awesmoe job to you!!!!
Good luck with the move, can't wait to see what's next!

Suzy said...

See you all stateside!

Coby said...

Okay, the line about the vet cracked me up! Wishing you all the best as you move home and continue your adventures and go on to make new memories!

Marla said...

I wonder if this time was more about you and your family than anything else? Friends might have been in the way of all the good that happened in those short two years. Either way, I think you are amazing and courageous.

TBM said...

I love that first pic! It's lovely that your family is closer because of this expat experience--it's something you'll always have. Good luck with your repartriating! I can't wait to hear all about it.