I am wrecked.
Throughout my morning workout the thought continued to haunt me… today is our last trip to the dump. For several of us, this day is going to be difficult, as we will cling to our precious little ones for the last time until we return again. It is inevitable, but we all know how hard it will be. We pile into Petunia and our flat bed truck for the last trip out.
**Ali, Isaiah, Katie and Erik heading out for our last trip to the dump (this does not make Erik happy as you can see)
… and BOOM, the smell slaps you in the face. And although the smell can bring tears to your eyes, somehow its familiarity is comforting
** The workers among the heaps of trash
Time to play!
I see Alfredo first and its all hugs from his bright shinning face. Then mama with lines built into the skin around her eyes as she is constantly smiling. I’m going to miss her! Finally my little Alexis. And he’s super happy today, maybe he has come to expect my presence. We run around a little before lunch. We sing. They wash their hands. We pray. They eat. Alexis never eats much; maybe he gives it to others in his family, maybe he saves it for later. But he smiles, the smile that melts my heart.
** Alfredo
** Ernesto
We play for hours but it feels like minutes. We play, I spin them around, give them piggyback rides, they jump from platforms into my arms, we jump across cracks in the ground, we tickle each other; all games that require nothing but bring bouts of joyous laughter, endless smiles and tearful departures.
Upon arriving at the dump, I presented Gloria and her family with pictures of her family and I. I wanted her to have recent pictures and a memory of our time together. They were all so thankful for this gift. I pray that I have been even just a little blessing in their lives as they have blessed me greatly.
Blessed to be a blessing.
Jessica brought a Polaroid camera and had 10 pictures to take for the families at the dump. When she asked Gloria what she would like as a photo she had one of her daughters come get me, she wanted a picture of Alexis and I… not one of her with her kids, not one of the grandkids, not a big family portrait, but one of just Alexis and I. Her seemed ecstatic and eager to jump into my arms; he truly embraced the opportunity. To think, just a few short weeks ago he was shying away from the camera, this day was different. Alexis and Alfredo (even Ernesto) seemed to cling tighter and longer, stare longer, smile bigger, and giggle louder.
The departure came abruptly. My final images are of Alfredo grabbing tightly to his newfound hat running towards me for a final hug and Alexis walking away wiping tears from his dirt stained face.
I’ve been wrecked.
