Separation Delayed

Two weeks ago the devastating earthquake stuck Japan and CNN reported that it could be felt as far away as Beijing. Not that we felt anything or know anyone who did. At least directly.

Elisa’s best friend is a Japanese girl of the same age named Weili. Every morning and afternoon for the past year they play together. When I used to come home from work Elisa would come running up to me happily yelling “baba, baba”. Weili started to run up to be saying “aisha baba, aisha baba” for “aisha” is how you would say Elisa’s Chinese name. Then Weili just dropped the “aisha” part.

Recently I’ve been home during the day (and at night too for that matter) and have seen more of Weili and Elisa playing. They watch TV together of course, Elisa leading the program selection. The play with their toys together. The play pretend sleep with each other.

For about six weeks now we’ve known that Weili, her sister who is Aidan’s age, and her mom were moving back to Japan on March 14th. The two best friends would be separated. I expect a 2.5 year old can get over such things but it still seemed so sad. Then the earthquake struck the Friday before the big move.

So Weili and her family didn’t move back, not quite yet anyway. Elisa and Weili getting a reprise from their separation and providing us great cheer as we listen to them play.