Banditas Blog: ~ Goodbyes arent forever, so lets just say, until we meet again.

~ December 27th 2008 ~ The time had come to leave Acapulco, and that meant saying Goodbye. Chuy say's, "Never say Goodbye... Only, till we meet again." Well, however you choose to say your goodbyes, for me they are never easy.

We had enjoyed many wonderful days around Pie de la Cuesta, Acapulco, and beyond, and we needed to be back on the road headed to Cuernavaca to settle some of the unfinished business with the Policia concerning the fender bender we had earlier in the month.
As Julie and I and Chuy packed up the suitcases, and did the 'once over look around...... we approached the familia that had gathered, and gave the hugs, and kisses..... and the thousand thank you's for all the hospitality, and the questions of did we forget anything? Etc Etc.....

I realized it had been more than 6 years since Chuy had been back home, and I couldn't help but wonder, if it would be another 6 before he got to return again?
I looked up at the somber faces in the kitchen that morning, and realized that all the family was probably wondering the exact same thing........ I wondered if Carmen would make the long bus ride to the Church at Petatlan to pray for our safe journey 'North....? I wondered how many more nieces and nephews births and graduations and marriages we would miss out on? I thought about the sacrifice so many of the Mexican families have to endure, just to see one of their family find a better life in EL NORTE.... and I wondered if it was really worth it?

Julie had already taken her suitcase to the car and was waiting for us there.... Chuy had said his 'till we meet again's earlier, so it was my turn to offer the farewell hugs and kisses. I did pretty good, until I looked into the sad little face of Chuys niece Karlita. I offered a lame explanation that we had to leave today.... and her meek little reply was only...."Why?"..... and as I grabbed Carmen, kissed the top of her head, and hugged her admidst the thankyou's and "Gracious Carmen.." "Muchco Gracious..." and as I saw her bowed head, trying desperately to conceal her controlled tears and sobs...... I felt an overwhelming sadness at leaving. With tears filling my eyes, I gave one last peck on the cheek to little Karlita and forced myself to turn away, and walk down the sidewalk to the car.

I got in and put the seatbelt on as Julie started the car..... and without looking back, we drove away.
It was silent for a while. There is something about those few moments after saying a hard goodbye, that leaves one not feeling much like talking.

But, I just want to say........'Thank You to all of the wonderful people we met. the family that showed us so much love and let us experience their Christmas season with them... the open arms of hospitality that gave and gave and gave without a second thought.......
We had a wonderful time, and Thank you/Gracious just doesn't seem enough.
Chuy wont let me say Goodbye...so, until we meet again..... May God go with you.

All our Love,
Valerie, Jesus, and Julieanna