Parting is such sweet sorrow

The goodbyes are always so hard!  Although it is tiring to have someone stay with me for a long period of time, I love having the company.  It has been so much fun showing my cousins around Tokyo.  Everything was new and interesting for them.  They tried so many unfamiliar things and were open to having lots of different experiences.

Their plane was in the evening, so we were able to have a short adventure before we needed to leave for the airport.  We decided going high and seeing views of the city was the perfect last activity in Tokyo. because the weather was beautiful, without many clouds.  We headed up Mori Tower to see as far as we could see.  It always amazes me just how big this city is when looking at it from the roof of Mori Tower.  It just goes on and on as far as the eyes can see.

We also had one last traditional Japanese treat - taiyaki from Naniwaya Souhonten in Azabujuban.  Both girls really enjoyed the fish shaped treat. 

And then it was time to go grab their bags and head to the airport.  We all kept coming up with reasons not to go.  Some were better than others.  All the exploring had left me exhausted, so I was too tired to go.  The older cousin was worried about the flight because she had gotten sick on the flight over.  The younger cousin needed to have more cooking lessons.  My son just didn't want them to go.  All were valid reasons for not heading to the airport, but we didn't think their dad would buy any of them. 

We were pretty quiet on the train ride to the airport.  All of us were deep in thought and reflection.  It had been a great experience to have this special time together.  After arriving and getting them checked in, it was time to say goodbye.  A few tears were shed by more than one person.  I just wanted to grab them and hold them close.  We had experienced so many special things together that parting was really hard. 

I find it especially hard because we don't know when we will see each other again.  It may seem like "just an ocean apart," but distance is heart-wrenching for me.  I will miss our late night talks and watching them experience new things. 

After they went through security, my son broke down crying.  As my heart was also breaking, I just held him and closed my eyes.  Our feelings were intense.  After a few minutes, we managed to pull ourselves together and head back toward home.  I just wish it was the four of us heading back instead of just two.