June 20, 2020
Off she goes. To change the world.
Its Amanda’s birthday today. 17 years old, as of a few hours ago in Denmark. 4:36ish AM give or take a minute. She’s been with us for almost 8 months of what was supposed to be a 4 month adventure, happy to have doubled the adventure though it would have been more fun under different circumstances. She now leaves in 16 days to return to her birth parents, her sisters, her amazing dog, friends and life. And life will never be the same. For anyone.
She’s an amazing young woman. Anyone who is fortunate to get to know her is blessed for life. She is full of sass and kindness, compassion and patience, brilliance and athleticism, beauty and hope. When we talked about getting an exchange student last year I didn’t really think that it would have massive impact on me, on my life. Come into the home, hang for a few months, then leave. We will talk after that a few times and then drift apart as life does. It’s hard to be more wrong about something that I was about that. The impact that she has had on our family will last for the rest of my life, Kelli’s life. Lennon and Charlotte will never be the same without her around. To snuggle with on the couch, to play video games with, to vacation with, or just eat dinner and laugh at each other. I’m a better human because I know her.
Signe and Henrik, you two raised an incredible human. She’s not our blood here in America, but she is absolutely my daughter. And there is nothing that I wouldn’t do for her. I tear up with the thought of her not around. I’m beyond grateful for her being here. Thanks for trusting us with her for the past 8 months. You can have her back in person, but part of her heart stays here….okay?
Saying goodbye can wait for another post, I’m not ready to write those words yes.
So Amanda, have a great day today. You’re my favorite teenager. And my absolute favorite non-daughter daughter. Love you to the moon and back.
Today’s quote comes from Simon and Garfunkel, and it’s a song that just for Amanda.
Michigan seems like a dream to me now
It took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw
I've gone to look for America