Saying Good-bye to Karlota

With heavy hearts we bade Karlota good-bye today. The weeks that she spent with us flew at an unusually rapid pace and we spent a good bit of time last night in shared disbelief that our time with her was over. The tears only stopped after a hasty and difficult good-bye at the Charlotte airport when Rem continued to wave at every plane he saw in the sky shouting, “Hello, Karlota!”

Our good fortune began with our favorite international liaison, Sr. Marina. She beamed that her affection for both our family and her cousin’s daughter lead to the pairing. Once this young college student from Spain arrived in Asheville we felt additionally flattered that Sr. Marina thought to unite us with such a special young woman. Yet again, this beloved family friend ingratiated herself to us in her thoughtfulness.

Miren and Lise have already declared this summer the best ever. Miren pointed out the many firsts that this summer provided her, among them Sliding Rock and white water rafting. Firsts, that when brought to mind, will also recall Karlota who so willingly partook in everything we presented. Lise relished the independent afternoons spent at the pool, three girls just hanging out (under Karlota’s watchful eye and undivided attention). Rem appreciated having an extra actor around to play Hook to his Peter Pan. He enjoyed Karlota’s willingness to wear the necessary accessories and the enthusiasm she exhibited at every duel.

Karlota fell easily into our family routine and her presence with our family became natural. She lingered in conversation at the dinner table with Craig and me long after the food and the children were gone. She shared stories about her life and in them revealed a deep love for her family and the Basque country. Karlota good-naturedly endured Craig’s long love ballads for Spanish soccer and encouraged our silly attempts at Spanish.

The days may have sped by but the impression Karlota made on all of us will endure and now we look ahead to the fulfillment of the parting words, “I hope to see you soon”!