Happy-Sad Good-Bye

Olivia spent her last evening for a while with her cousin Izabella. Tomorrow Izabella departs with Aunt Jill for Virginia, and they will be greatly missed. As Olivia said her farewells to her little three-year-old cousin, she bravely kept a smile upon her face. However, the second we walked out of the door, she burst into tears. She told me that although she was really happy Izabella gets to be with her dad again, she is still terribly sad about her and Aunt Jill leaving. As Olivia continued to sob, she added that she didn't want to confuse or upset Izabella with any tears, since Izabella was so joyful when they were all saying 'good bye' to each other. Olivia's response was rather thoughtful, and I was proud of her for trying so sincerely to be happy for her cousin. Of course, I am not so capable of hiding my tears when I am sad. Just seeing Olivia experience yet another loss was heart-breaking and I burst into tears as well. I couldn't help but think of the countless hours Olivia spent attending to Izabella's every desire.

We are truly happy that Jill will finally be reunited with her hard-working husband, and that Izabella will get to snuggle with her daddy again. If anyone understands how hard it is to be away from her dad, it is Olivia.