Gone

When the time came so did the tears.

A few.

Ali left on Saturday to return home, and as he urged me not to cry too much lest I upset the kids, I held back. But seeing my husband go was hard, especially as I took in the pained look on his face. It was like this defining moment in our lives. Our first time apart for any significant length of time.

Some might say that's a dramatic sentiment, but I don't think so. After three weeks of non-stop time together, time often spent alone enjoying ourselves is this dynamic, ancient medina (city in Arabic), it was difficult to let go. But let go I did and now we're reduced to talking over a computer, but man am I grateful for it. I think Skype and Ali's iPhone with its constant connection to us will be our saving grace during this time. The kids are anxious to speak to him when they get out of school, and Ali is already showing signs of missing us (i.e. texting with  me at 1:30 a.m. his time). He said being in a lonely quiet house is no good for him.

I know maybe you guys are expecting some sage observations from me about the sorrow of separation and the suckiness of it all, but I can't  manage it right now. All I can say is that it's not ideal but, strong girl that I am, I know I can handle it.

For a while at least.