It is hard to know when and where friendship will find you. In Irini's case it was the news that our friends John and Melissa were about to receive their new baby girl, adopted here in Malaysia. Irini was a good three months away from joining us in the outside world, but already the friendship was in the works. John, Melissa and little Isabelle (Izzie) live just four floors above us. The convenience has added that little spontaneous twist to get-togethers that makes becoming friends so effortless. As the year and a bit progressed Irini and Isabelle have become good friends who see each other on a nearly daily basis. When one walks into the apartment of the other the event normally consists of a series of squeals of delight sometimes accompanied by a happy trot toward the other and a sudden stop just inches away, smiles abounding. Hugs are not part of the normal repertoire yet, and so it seems a bit awkward for the adults present. Not to the girls, though. Socialization has not taken shape yet, so smiles and squealing are more than sufficient to show an appreciation for each other's presence. They delight in each other's company, even if it is often side-by-side company and not quite integrated. Regardless there is a connection that is obvious and they are happy as can be in each other's presence.
On June 8th at 2 am we will be heading to Greece. On that day little Irini will fly off to other worlds and, when we return, Isabelle will no longer be a daily presence in her life. Though other friends will be here, it will be hard for all of us to replace our dear friends from upstairs. Isabelle and Irini don't know this yet, but they will have to work much more on this friendship if they want it to last, effort unknown to them at the moment. Their friendship, of course, has added its spice to that of the parents as well. We all know that the children can only be friends if the parents can put up with each other and we've been very fortunate that both Melissa and John have quite nicely put up with us.
As Irini plays with Izzie on the 7th - just four days away as we write this - she will not know that it will be the last time (for a while). The parents will part with hugs and kisses and tears. The girls will just smile and perhaps wave and share a babble or two. Moving on seems easy for those who do not realize the magnitude of the moment's importance. But the power of appreciation makes it a toughy for all of us. Goodbye, Izzie. Goodbye Melissa. Goodbye John. May your travels back to Maine bring with them good memories that make you recognize what we have known all along: These two girls make one heck of a pair. From now on, it's emails and Skypes and the constant battle to keep in touch across the distance. So long, dear friend. Be safe. Be happy. Don't forget me.
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