Our last day in Calgary - Get a coffee!

Breakfast was a little earlier this morning because Jeanette and her mum were flying out to Paris.

Breakfast was pretty subdued with our impending departure and separation, but Jim (B&B Host) was his normal animated self. The main course for breakfast was scrambled eggs with ham..

After breakfast we collected Brendan on the way to the airport. Checking in was uneventful.After much angst about the weight of individual bags, at the moment of truth the Ticketing person lifted the up and said 'yep they are ok - I'll just put an HEAVY label on that one'

Calgary is by far the best airport we have encountered on this trip. The airport is well laid out with ample shops and coffee/food places outside of security so that passengers can be seen off comfortably. The shops are friendly and a condition of their lease prohibits price gouging of the captive market. Security is thorough without the paranoia and hype of their southern neighbours.

We had an hour or so to kill before Jeanette and her mum had to go through security. Part of this time Jeanette and I walked around the airport, taking in the spectacular views of Calgary downtown and the Rocky Mountains in the distance. This also allowed Brendan and his Nana to spend some time together.
Jeanette was also able to spend some time with Brendan.

We all felt a certain lethargy today, the kind that comes when you know that something unpleasant has to be done. We have all felt a greater sorrow than we originally felt when he first left because this time the sense of unreality has passed.

With a look of profound sadness Jeanette (and her mother) disappeared into the secure area of Gate Section A (after a few glances back from within).

I had the privilege of another 5 hours with Brendan. What we did was less important than that we did it together. We tried to track down an eBay purchase (looks like B will get to test out the dispute resolution process!), returned a DVD and had lunch at Lou's (16th Street Calgary, the spicy fries are sensational and if you ask nicely, they will even put an egg in the burger for you). The server (waitress) at Lou's was the same one we had last visit and Brendan engaged her at length talking about music, gigs and tattoos. (A Very Smooth - he makes everybody feel special).

From Lou's, a leisurely sojourn down 14th to Nose Hill Park. Climbing Nose Hill was about the only suggestion that Brendan made for an activity in Calgary, and so far we had not been able to make it.

This oversight was quickly redressed by an athletic sprint to the summit by 2 superb specimens, despite the sub-zero (-8C) temperatures. At he summit there was a rather lame attempt at a snow fight, and although one party conceded defeat they then launched an underhanded attempt at victory, after the clock had stopped.

With snow on the ground, brilliant sunlight, no wind and an air temperature of -8C, the scene was awesome. It has been good to share and see some of what Brendan will be facing in coming months (but we only saw -11C. -40C is something again!)

When Brendan left Adelaide in may, the impact was not really appreciated because it all seemed so unreal. Now - having been separated, reunited and facing separation again the sense of loss is so much greater.

We have always had a great relationship, but I am now even more keenly aware of the bond between us.

Jeanette & I had stated objectives to raise all of our children to be independent fully functional adults and they have both exceeded all of our expectations and dreams. Brendan is on a journey into the unknown which is both exhilarating and terrifying.

His GOD goes with him.

He and I are both learning more about the true cost of sending the son.

See lots.
Do lots
Learn lots
Be lots