Simon's home

Another year has come to an end and Simon is now back in Lillehammer. You would think after all of these years I would be getting used to this, but I never do.
Simon has called this year challenging and I say it's been a year like no other, but not for reasons you may think. As with any family, natural or exchange, there are always ups and down. What I credit Simon with, is that he did talk to me about this and not keep it all inside, as most do. I know some of the topics weren't easy for him but because of this, we have both grown. I can never understand how these exchange students come to a strange country and to live with a family they have never met. If I could, I would go back and change somethings for Simon. I wished he would have never have come down with the appendicitis and ended up having to have surgery. And of course, I would have changed the MSU football game. Simon is a good kid and yes he did something that wasn't right, but bad enough to warrant what he went through, I don't think so. But through it all, he was honest and never complained about the consequences. I think because of that, is why it did turn out so favorable for him.
Simon is a very thoughtful young man and as I told him, I'm glad he was here with us. I loved watching him play soccer and enjoyed seeing his love of soccer. Simon and I did have one thing in common, and that is neither of us likes to make decisions. You should have been around when we were out and going to get something to eat. There were always a lot of, "I don't care." :-) He never complained once about my cooking, late night meals or running out of laundry. And he was also very patient with me, which I know at times, wasn't easy.
Simon has sure seen a lot while he was here, going to Niagara Falls, Toronto,New York, Myrtle Beach, Chicago, Cancun, Boston, Los Angeles, the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas. Both of his parents were able to visit him while he was here also and I know he really enjoyed that.
In the winter he played a lot of indoor soccer, usually being on 3 teams and going to drop in. I will always remember our soccer schedule and checking out every day where we were going to be. Good thing there was Tivo in case I missed any shows, like American Idol.
I had asked Simon what was his favorite part of the year and for some reason he picked Cancun. As like that is some big surprise. I'm sure the other boys that went to Cancun also would agree with him. I have so many good memories of the year but I think my favorite is beating him at poker on his birthday.
This is Saturday morning and it seems odd not to be waiting for Simon to get up and sit in his chair so he can see the soccer game and have his fruit and bagels. And me always asking him which is the home team because I can never remember if the home team is first or last on the scoreboard. And not making plans to go to his soccer game and if he has a clean uniform or not. And I'm sure on this Saturday morning he is not missing Floyd watching TV loudly or me listening to my music countdown.
I told Simon I was never going to give up on him and in the end, he didn't either.


I sure miss him and I can't wait to see him and his smile again.