Two days before we left China, after I had went to sleep already, Ric was called by one of his buddies at work with a message that his brothers were trying to get a hold of him. Ric's mother had passed away. Needless to say Ric did not sleep that night, and not very good for a good while after that. After I found out in the morning we began trying to make arrangements for him to beable to attend the funeral. All 'fun' things to do while in China and completely out of our element and timezone. Needless to say with the help of the Internet and United Air Lines (and this may be the ONLY time I thank United!) Ric was able to find a online only last minute money saving flight better than the bereivement fare they quoted him 30 minutes prio on the phone. Ric did not want me to tell anyone. He didn't want to have to 'deal' with it until he felt he was able. This makes sense. He had one more day in China, plus a major 14 hour flight home plus other flights, the kids were en route home with Grandparents on a 12 hour drive, etc., etc., etc. So I kept it mum. We finally arrived home 4 am on Thursday. Ric had a early am flight on Saturday to head to his home town for the services. Not fun. I know the time spent with his family there helped him tremendously. Yes, they had expected this but it is always hard when a loved one, especially your mother passes away. And to be dealing with a newly adopted daughter and jetlag at the same time just kicked it up a few notches. I think the time alone helped him on all accounts. Late Tuesday night I picked him up. We are so thankful to his boss and work place for being understanding. It certainly wasn't something we planned, to have this added on to being out for the adoption.
In both of our minds, Elizabeth is in a much better place. She had lost most of her friends and family her age. She was suffering with depression from that to what later became Alzheimers. Ric is so glad to have had a chance to see her before we left for China. At one point he feels she truly recognized him for who he was and for that he is grateful. He was her baby, the youngest of seven children.
He is doing better with each day, getting caught up on sleep, getting caught up with his family (all five kids), back to work with those crazy guys at SEFL!, etc. Thank you for your prayers, for those who knew at the time. It dawned on me last time when talking with a friend who I hadn't spoke with since before China that I still hadn't told anyone. For that I'm sorry. Just got caught up with things.
-Angi
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2 comments:
Angi and Ric my heart goes out to you and your family. I can't imagine how hard this all must have been. Thank you for sharing and know you are in our prayers.
Praying for His comfort--Leigh
So thankful that Ric was able to get home and visit with his mom before China, what a blessing. We continue to lift your family up in prayer through this time of adjustment.
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