One year Anniversary: Merrilyn & James depart for Australia

It's 20:40 and I've just returned home after saying goodbye to Merrilyn & James at Heathrow T4 where they depart for a three week visit to Australia.

Needless to say it was difficult. And driving home past the Thames and on to Windsor via the Long Walk it was strange to see these familiar sights but not be close to my family. I guess its understandable that at times like this you reflect on how lucky you are. We've done so much in the past twelve months. There is no doubt that we've seized the opportunity.

This afternoon, after Merrilyn and I had packed her two suitcases (some spare room for the return journey) we ordered some Chinese from a favourite local, and then went to pick it up the long way. Out the back gate, on to the Long Walk, past the castle, up to the bollards, and then down Peascod Street past the flat we stayed at when we first arrived.

James always enjoys the castle and tonight he was so excited about his trip that he just couldn't stop talking. He wanted to point out everything to us. Including how high the Queen's walls were tonight! And the Union Jack that was flying meant that the Queen wasn't home. And that if she was, the flag would be the royal standard. And that the Royal Standard has lions on it. And ..... :)

Merrilyn and I talked about what we were doing this time last year. It is almost exactly our one year anniversary. Retracing some of the similar walks we did when we first arrived allowed us to relive some of the excitement; such as glimpsing the Round Tower from Peascod Street. Its fair to say a year ago we were filled with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. But we're so glad we came. We never imagined that we'd have the opportunity to see and experience so much. And I'm so proud of Merrilyn. She's moved far away from her family yet made many new friends and managed to create a home for James and I.

Which I guess bring these ramblings full circle. I know that Merrilyn is looking forward to seeing her family and friends back in Australia. Every day is planned out. And she's involved James these past few weeks. Buying gifts, looking at photos of his friends, and talking about what they're going to be doing.

James awoke so excited this morning. When we got to T4 we sat him on the bags on the trolley so he could ride all the way to the check in. Once there he showed the guy Dog's passport and told him that he's off to Singapore - for a swim. (Learning from our original flight over her Merrilyn and James are staying overnight in Singapore. We think this will make the journey more bearable for all.) We couldn't leave check in until James and watched the tags put on the bags, and then the conveyors start up.

We all proceeded to security where I said goodbye. James - a little sad that he didn't tell me he loved me when I left for Florida a few weeks ago - made sure I got lots of hugs and kisses. I know - it's tough. We continued to wave and blow kisses until they both disappeared from view.

Buon viaggio, la mia famiglia. Li mancherò.