I honestly never thought I would see this day come, but now that it is here, I can't believe how quickly it came. This past week has been full of emotions and goodbyes, feelings of which I cannot even begin to put into words. I have built a life here, so much to the point where my life in California seems like a distant memory, almost a dream. I am in a state of disbelief that I am actually returning to the fabled "United States" in a matter of hours.
This experience has left me forever changed, it is something that I will always carry with me. I have gained a confidence that I have never possessed in my life. Everyone told me that this would happen, but I have this overwhelming feeling that no one will ever truly understand how much of an impact this has had on who I am (aside from those who have experienced it with me). In the beginning, I hated Paris and wanted nothing more than to go home. In fact, on more than one occasion, I was seriously considering withdrawal. However, that would have been my biggest regret ever. Had I withdrawn, I would have felt defeated by Paris and would forever feel bitter towards it. It seemed to be a constant challenge, but now that I have conquered it, I can leave on good terms with this city. Something that I am so grateful for.
On the subject of being grateful, one of the main things that I am incredibly grateful for, are the people that I have met throughout this past year. They have helped shape who I am and I feel that they all deserve recognition for being so amazing. I would love to go into depth about why every single person is amazing, but that would make this blog about 700 pages; therefore, I am going to talk about the family that has defined a major part of my experience in Paris.
The Collet Family: This is the family that I have worked for over the past 10 months. Even though I was frustrated by them at times, I truly love all of them. I will always remember when I was pickpocketed and going through other rough moments in December, Beatrice (the mother) gave me a big kiss on the head and said "Don't worry, you are not alone. You are a part of this family and we are here for you no matter what." She gave me all the money I needed until I recuperated what I had lost and talked to me for hours about defining moments in her life and how to get through my rough patch. In that moment she was not just my boss, she became a type of temporary mother-figure. I just said my goodbyes to them and it was harder than I could have ever imagined. The children (mostly little Solène) got really emotional (as did I). On leaving, Beatrice walked me to the door, and through teary eyes, thanked me for everything I had done. I remained composed until Beatrice said: "I don't think it's any secret that you and Solène formed a special bond. I could see it very clearly. Thank you." All I could say was thank you in return. I feel so amazingly grateful to have been given this opportunity and never in a million years thought that a little 9-year-old French girl could have such an impact on my life.
I wish I had more time to write more about everyone, perhaps once I'm back in California I will write more about them, but for now I just want to give them all just a little recognition: Danielle, Jared, Kirstie, Amanda, Mikayla, Hannah, Kimberley, Bre, Tom, Benjamin, Christian, Betsy, Talia, Emilie. You have all impacted my life in one way or another. Thank you.
