All I could focus in on was one word. "Congratulations!"
The one person that this meant the most to was sound asleep, I didn't care, she HAD to wake up immediately.
In hindsight, waking her up in the manner I did surely scared her. I shook her hard, smacked her a little while loudly saying, "NAYSIA!! WAKE UP! WAKE UP! YOU NEED TO COME AND SEE THIS!!"
She stumbled into my room. I guided her to the chair and she sat. Looking confused I told her--rather yelled, "READ IT!!!" She didn't have her glasses on. She slowly leaned forward, with her face about 6 inches from the screen, she read the email. She looked up at me and slowly, in her sleepy little voice she says, "So, does this mean I'm going?"
"YES!! YES!! YOU ARE GOING!!!"
"Okay, I'm going back to sleep. Can you sleep with me tonight?" And she stumbled back to her room.
Hmm. Not the reaction I envisioned. I thought for sure we'd be high-fivin it, jumpin up and down, cheesin hard!
I looked at the time. It was late. Who would be awake right now that I could call and share with??
I could hardly wait to just say it. In my pajama pants, hair piled wildly on top of my head I ran, yes ran, next door to my mom's. She wasn't home. She never goes anywhere and this night, of all nights she wasn't home. But 2 of my sisters, Imaunii and Sanita were there. To be honest I don't remember what I said to them. I didn't stay long. Went home and called my mom. Being a proud Grandma and a good Momma she said all the right things to calm my fears and fuel my excitement.
Next up was Chai, it was late here, but even later in Chicago. She played an instrumental part and needed to know pronto. I played it as safe as I could and sent her a text message. She didn't respond.
After pacing the place for about 30 minutes, I crawled in next to Naysia and a flood of emotions hit me.
That night I didn't sleep at all. Thinking about times long gone, smiling about the experiences we've had together. Grateful for all we've done together. Thankful that I've been able to provide her not only with what she needs but also able to satisfy her wants. Nervous for what is about to take place. Feeling like if I could go with her I could protect her from any and all harm. Then immediately feeling guilty for having that thought-because I know God has it under control. Because of Him she has had a pretty good life so far. He has put all things into place in order to bless us. He has placed some phenomenal people into our lives that have helped to shape and mold her. He works through me to provide for her. He will be on a 12hour flight with her. He will be by her side as she meets new people. He will be her true tour guide. He will protect her.
Hey Tariequa! Just wanted to say I love your blog.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful idea, and something that I'm sure you and Naysia will Cherish for many years. I'm also so pleased to hear you're taking a creative writing course. You have a warm engaging writing-style and you should definitely nurture it. Let me know how you find the course; I frequently think I'll take one myself one day -- even though I write for a living there's plenty more I could learn. And I don't do nearly as much creative writing as I'd like.
Anyway, I'm so excited for Naysia, even though I haven't seen her since she was a tiny baby.
I remember when I was thirteen, I wanted to be a veterinarian, so I took mostly sciences as electives. I needed to choose one other subject to make five, and I chose French, because I kind of liked it and it fitted with my timetable.
Choosing French: I could write a book with that title.
Everything I have gone on to do in life has pretty much hinged on that decision. Needless to say, French became my strongest subject and the dream of becoming a vet. turned into a nightmare when it dawned on me that I couldn't do the math, and I was terrified of blood! So I stuck with French; became obsessed with all things French; wanted to live in Paris; to take evening strolls along the Seine.
But just like Naysia I moved on: to Spain. French was the only subject I got an A in when I left high school so I went on to do more languages at sixth form college (where some of us Brits go for 16-18 education). I took Spanish and German, but Spanish was by far the strongest subject. On those courses I met my friends Dean and Colin, who was equally obsessed with the US and had this penfriend out in LA called Melanie....
Well, you pretty much know the rest. I went on to study languages and business at University, I spent a wonderful year living in Spain but then started to get more interested in Latin America. And then, just after I graduated, I met Colin's MEXICAN penfriend Melanie in London. We fell in love, and I met you in Tucson that winter!
I still use French most days in my job as a journalist writing about what goes on in the European Parliament. I speak Spanish at home, and sometimes for work.
Choosing French that summer in 1986 was a life-changer for me. I think this trip to Seoul could equally prove a defining moment for Naysia.
She's so lucky to have all your support and enthusiasm, but, of course, as parents we all share some of your anxieties...
Keep sharing them, and all your excitement with us.
Paul, thanks for sharing so much of your background. I knew of some of it, especially the part about Melanie :) It is encouraging to hear that your passion pushed you to make life altering decisions. I'm certain this trip will be a defining point in her life. She will either come home disappointed by the country, but driven to do something different. Or, she will come home fired up and ready to get the most of her education so she can return. Curious, evening strolls along the Seine ever take place? Choosing French is a great title of what could be your life story. Thanks for tuning in, it's been fun to write.
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