At the end of every summer we return overseas to work and leave our families and friends in Nova Scotia. We have done it enough that "The Last Day" now has its own traditions. The Selig family gets together for a meal -- sometimes a turkey dinner but this year pizza -- then takes a final family photo. This process can be great fun and is usually full of laughs.
After the photo we load all our luggage into a vehicle (or two). Then we spend a last few minutes reminiscing about the summer's activities. The hardest part, of course, is when it is time for hugs and goodbyes. In our travels we have met many people that have no relationships with children, siblings, or parents. We no longer dread the goodbyes, but welcome the tears as a reminder of how blessed we are to have a close family.
Returning to Doha also has its traditions: managing the luggage in taxis, putting batteries back in the cars, getting a few groceries to survive the first day, unpacking clothing and special new items. This week our transition was made easier because of our housekeeper, Vergie. She had made us Filipino
pancet (noodles) and bought the few groceries we needed. She had washed our vehicles and tidied the house ready for our return. Then she helped with putting away clothing and re-organizing cupboards.
