Dave came home from work early and we called a "family meeting" to talk to the kids about this situation. Jonah was very upset at first, and took it the hardest, saying NO NO NO NO!!! and Ally started crying, and Josh was crying, and it was very hard to watch. We gave them lots of time to ask all their questions. We re-assured them that we would do our best to make it a good experience. We had interesting discussions about how many people have to move away for a job relocation and they don't get to come back home, it's final. We talked about how some people lose their homes to foreclosures and have to leave their neighborhoods and don't get to come back. We shared all the exciting places we could potentially travel, all the wonderful friends and family who will come to visit us, and how we will come home at least once per year and a long time each summer.
They immediately asked about Cocoa, the cherished family guinea pig, and with our unsure reactions (she almost certainly will not be joining us) they began bawling again.
Then Jonah and Ally wanted to email their friends & cousins. I thought that was interesting that they chose to email the news. Jonah wrote "i am moving to London. this is not a joke." with lots of crying emotion thingies following:
Then Ally went to the next door neighbor's home where her friend and Jonah's friend live, and once again the bawling and sobbing recommenced.
Josh wanted to go tell his friend up the street. The mom called and told me that Josh said "We're going to London. You can come and visit us. It's only a 30 minute flight!!"
Later in the evening, a couple of Ally's friends called her....each time I saw the caller ID and knew it was Ally's friend, I picked up and heard a very shaky trembling voice on the other end which sent me into hysterics (I tried my best but. seriously. these 10 year old girls. they are so sweet, it breaks my heart.) and then Ally would take the phone and start crying again.
Jonah said later "this is the worst day of my life".
NOW. Today! is a much better day.
Jonah wrote in his journal: "I am sad, excited and happy. I am sad because we are moving to England for a couple of years. I am very excited because I get to see new things and visit cool places. I am happy because I am going to London and I bet there soccer program is very good. I am also sad because I will miss my friends and family."
He also said a sweet prayer at lunch saying "Dear God help me to understand that it is a privilege to go to London and help me to be excited about it".
We've had interesting questions today like: "Is there a swim team there?" (Ally) "Can I play on a soccer team there?" (Jonah)
and "Is there a Target there?" "Will we have a basement?" "Will we have a tv?" "Can we bring our Wii?" "Do they have Annie's? or at least macaroni and cheese?"
It's gone from being the "worst thing ever" to being something sort-of interesting and exciting.
