Final Post: Farewell

March 16, 2020– Day #1 of Coronavirus & final hike– Black Mountain of Maine

–Click photo to enlarge–

The house is quiet. My fancy new heater, a gift from my brother Rob, is whirling away in my office. At the front of my desk, Bailey is sound asleep after his demanding day at Aunt Sharon and Uncle Mike's. This morning, the temperature hit 13 degrees Fahrenheit even with a bright sun--winter's hanging on.

Yesterday, back from Portland and goodbyes to Guido, I posted a Farewell message on Facebook to my friends and family who have followed the boys throughout the year. Those folks have written kind notes wishing the boys happy lives... Connie, Ben, and I do as well. (And, of course, Bailey Tuckerman.)


FAREWELL... one of the hidden casualties of coronavirus has been the exchange students across America. My boys, Guido and Sebino, returned home abruptly this week to Spain and The Netherlands as did many of their international friends. The boys have met new people, learned about our country, loved being Mountain Valley HS Falcons, and discovered more about themselves through their experiences. They also became ski racers!

We thank the River Valley Community for welcoming and supporting these boys. Their teachers and coaches have been gems, and their legions of friends and their families have opened their homes and hearts...

On a personal note, thanks to my neighbors and long-time friends, Connie and Ben Venskus (Constance) for their thoughtful commitment to the boys. And thanks to Abbey Rice, our local Greenheart exchange student coordinator, mother and community member extraordinaire. (BTW, everyone, give hosting a look--you might just love it).

For now, here's to Sebino and Guido and their happy lives ahead. You'll be missed.

First Day Together, September 2, 2019