The anguish of the long distance father.

The anguish of the long distance father.

 

The tears fell down like rain on an autumn day in Kyneton steady, persistent and unrestrained. They seeped into your heart somehow rendering it soggy and unable to function properly, painful in its beat and making breathing difficult and unreliable.

She stepped away from her mother and sister and embraced me saying:

“I LOVE YOU DAD”

What could I say? I choked on a few words:

‘I love you Katy, take care.’

Then she was gone, far away the wings would take her faraway and for what seems like an eternity. Another place, another country, another space, another …so many another’s.

My girl was gone! No matter that she is thirty and a professional triple certificate nurse and midwife. No matter that she has gone many times before. No matter that she has led teams of volunteers into Africa. No matter she is independent. No matter all those things that make her an outstanding modern women and role model. No matter I will miss her until it hurts.

The journey home was long and tortuous words were few and short, memories many and long. Exhaustion takes over and relieves you of partings burden for a while and then the hurt comes back. It will get better having four daughters have meant a few partings over the years. But for now I must grieve and say a silent prayer for her happiness, wellbeing and fulfilment. And look forward to the happiness of reunion in the fullness of time.

“LOVE YOU KATY”

John Condliffe

17.10.17

 

Katy Condliffe my fourth daughter has gone to New Guinea for one year today.