The Prodigal Returns

This is the last time I saw my daughter in the flesh on January 31st 2008, she's the one in the skirt. . . .neither she nor Gem looked back, apparently they had a little cry in the transit lounge but that was soon overtaken by the fantabulousness of their world trip. Brasil, Paraguay, Equador, Uraguay, Peru, Chile, America, Canada, England, Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czecheslovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Spain and now back home in beautiful sunny and very warm Sydney

I spent most of the day busying myself. There was absolutely no point going to work because every 10 minutes I'm imagining where she is, what she's flying over, is she getting some sleep, how's her cold?

Adam had a quick maintenance job this morning so afterwards, we went for lunch and the two of us finished off our Christmas shopping. He kept going in the afternoon and I did the unthinkable . . .had a snooze on the couch. Gives you some idea how I've been sleeping lately, once in the prone position and I was out like a light.

5.oo pm and Adam and the Fringelet arrived. We chatted then bought champagne because there would be celebrations, small family ones but celebrations nonetheless.

6.00pm and I checked her flight, yep QF32 was right on time and flying over the interior. I wondered if she'll see Ularu or the Warrumbungles.

7pm . and it was time to go. I knew we'd be early, it's only a 50 minute drive at that time of night and by the time she comes through customs it would be more like 8:30 but I need to be there.

We had time for a coffee and then a long wait. The plane unloaded quickly but people were trickling through customs so it took a while. Then all of a sudden, there she was . . .



So, at about 9pm my sweet child returned, all in one piece after 11 months of abject adventure. There were tears and hugs. Well you knew there would be!


At home and more tears and hugs for her beloved Lily . . .

Then straight to the business of "Mine's bigger than yours" . . we spent the night looking at her DVD's and photos, chatting, drinking, laughing.

I envy her travels, the people she's met, the places she's been but I'm so, so, so . . glad she's safe and sound and home. Now to the mountain of washing!