It occurred to me that I haven’t updated on Ky’s return!
The four of us went back to the airport on August 19, thankfully not in the wee hours of the dawn this time. Ky was due to arrive at 5pm. Everything ran smoothly. He peeked around the escalator wall as he rode down from the terminal area, suitcase in hand and horseshoe shaped pillow around his neck. And I could see he stood an inch or so taller than last spring.
We gave our hello hugs with big smiles on our faces. I realized at the time that I forgot the dorky KY sign I had planned to hold up when we saw him. You know, those identification signs that people hold in airports so they can find the passenger they need to connect with. I am sure my kids were super relieved I didn’t follow through on that idea.
The ride home brought relief that all is well. Ky seemed to have a smile that would never fade. He made us laugh just as before. He appeared happy to be back with his American family.
Impressions
Something that greatly impressed me was the thought that Ky put into the gifts he brought each of us. He obviously doesn’t need to bring us gifts, but his family makes an effort to give gifts to those they haven’t seen for awhile, and Ky was sure to do the same. His dad said he put a lot of thought into what he gave each of us. It was obvious. For example, Ky knows I am always begging my husband to rub my shoulders. So he brought me an electric massager meant for back and shoulders. And it is glorious! I love it!
Another thing that impressed me- Ky’s English flowed better than the previous spring. I wondered if he had been practicing and studying our language all summer. But no. Three different ways he was able to brush up on his English. He told us of how he spent a few weeks in Hong Kong where his aunt lives. A lot of people there speak English so he received practice that way. Secondly, he took a couple courses in Hong Kong, one in sailing and one in computer coding, both of which were taught in English. And thirdly, his parents had signed him up to assist a teacher in an English class. He had to monitor students and correct papers, which boosted his English skills as well.
Starting Year Two
Ky had only two days with his American brother (my son) before we took him to college for the school year. And thankfully my son was willing to make the most of it. They played ping pong, fort night, and Ky got to ride shotgun with my son on the way to college. Ky said last school year that he would miss brother when college came around. I know it was hard for Ky just as it was for the rest of us when he left. We are reminded of just how hard it is for Ky when he encounters something that reminds him of brother. He lets out this big howl and carries on with dramatic, hysterical, fake crying. The rest of us pretend to console him and everyone moves on.
So everything seems the same as last year, yet somewhat different. Ky picked up where he left off. His room is the same. His study skills the same. Even his clothes are the same for the most part. But the atmosphere around here is not the same since my oldest left for college. My daughter and Ky get along fine. They tease and bicker and do the things siblings do. But the air is just different without one of our family members. In addition to that change, Ky seems a little more mature than last year. He just seems more settled, content, less lost than last year. Some (not all) of those silly, loud, strange noises we heard during his freshman year have disappeared. All part of growing up I suppose.
No Longer the New Kid
It feels strange to call him a Sophomore. Just yesterday we met him for the first time. He was the new kid in every area, school, church and home. Just yesterday my heart twinged when his parents flew off for China, leaving their 14 year old only child behind to live a whole new life.
But now he is a return student. Classmates looked forward to his return this year. He knows the ropes and can help those who don’t. He understands even more how life in America works.
And he seems even less of a guest in our home. He knows our routines and follows them just as well as we do. He expects what we expect, and vice versa. Ky’s sophomore year took off without a hitch so far.
