Farewell my little Lady

We hung out near the other yellow shirts.  The weight of what was about to take place loomed heavily in the air as we walked past small families.  If concentrating we could make out fragments of conversation....

Mom~Nervous         Nays~Excited

"Are you excited?....."
"It's going to be okay....."
"Don't forget to......."
"Going to miss you....."
"Make sure you......"

Some students were upstairs having a bite to eat at the food court.  Naysia was not interested in eating.

There were very few words between us.  Every time I attempted to give instruction on one topic or another, she gave me the look that translates to 'shhhh'.

 It was apparent that some of the students knew one another.  There was an attempt to encourage her to introduce herself to others, she refused. 
A young lady named Heather came over to introduce herself.  She was super sweet and asked great questions of Naysia.  I slowly backed away so they could have some time to get to know each other.  As I wandered around several parents expressed the remembrance of us from the awards ceremony, calling us "Arizona". 

The time quickly came around.  At 10:30 the kids were summoned to the center, between the ticketing counter and food court.  They were to line up single file with their ticket and passport in place.  Parents gave hugs, kisses, and last minute words of wisdom.

"Give me some sugar Nays"
"MOM, don't say that in front of everybody!!"
"Fine Nays, give me a hug then"

We embraced, but only for a short period of time.  See, in wrapping my arms around her the hat fell off of her head, she dropped the ticket and the passport. 


"Come on Mom!!!!  What are you doing??!!!"

After picking everything up, we stood just a few inches apart and locked eyes.  Nothing but space and silence in-between us, her eyes began to well up~as did mine.  We didn't need words to say, be safe, have fun, i will miss you, I love you.

Farewell Naysia

Watching her walk away was by far one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life.