Six months ago, I learned that our wonderful babysitter was planning to retire.  For six months, I tried not to think about it.  But all the effort I put into trying not to think about it made me think about it even more.

And now the day is fast approaching.  October 11.  One month away.  We’ve been wanting to spend extra time with her.  Chloe invited her to join us for ice cream this evening and we’ve gone out to lunch and had dinner together.  We’re all acutely aware of an era coming to an end.

I’m still not sure how our post-Esperanza household is going to function.  I’m anxious about it.  But the girls are where they are today in large part because of her, and they will carry a piece of her in their hearts for the rest of their lives.  What a gift.