At Long Last

At long last we were able to hug this darling person.  Her name is Coral, she lives in *China*, and we met when she attended the local university pursuing a master's degree.  She started out as our language tutor as we waited for Maryn, but it didn't take long for her to become much more special to us than that.  She stayed with us on weekends and school holidays, and we went on vacation together.  We haven't seen her since March 2008, and she has been greatly missed.  The last time we were here, in August 2009, she had planned to fly to *Guangzhou* to meet us, but a typhoon went through her area, and all planes were grounded.  It was hard to be so close and, yet, so far, but there was nothing we could do about it.  This time there was nothing stopping her, so she flew to *Guangzhou* yesterday morning, and we spent yesterday and most of today with her and her friend from college who lives here.  It was great to see her waiting for us in the lobby of the hotel when we returned from the medical exam and to hear her say, "Hi, Mom," when our eyes met.  Although they had never met before, she has a special connection to Maryn by being part of the wait and preparation for her arrival.  It was a very fast day and a half, and we were sorry to see her go today.  Until next time, we love you, Coral.