Hi there, my name is Olly and I am Marae’s most trusted companion, her watch. I go with her everywhere – to school, to swim training, to the beach. I must say, I don’t like the beach very much. I always get sand in my buttons and then they don’t work well. Marae loves the sea though, so I begrudgingly go with her.
Sometimes Marae takes me to swimming galas (swim meets.) I am usually taken off and dumped into her smelly backpack with her old nose clip and extra pair of earplugs. But when she leaves me on, I see her and her friends giggling and laughing at each others’ antics. The atmosphere is always so cheerful and happy, but lately everyone has been more sullen and wistful.
I think it has something to do with a comment Marae made – “4 weeks from today we leave,” she says. Ever since she said that, she seems more sad. Sometimes I hear her crying in the night.
I know we are moving back to Canada. She told me one night. I am not sure why she is so sad. I’m excited to go back because that is where I came from!! They bought me at a huge store – I think they called it “Walmart.” But the thought just occurred to me, what if she doesn’t take me back? What if she replaces me? My rubber is a little worn and some of my face is missing. But SHE CAN”T LEAVE ME!!!
Even so, I am sure she won’t get rid of me before her farewell party this weekend. We are meeting a couple of her friends at a coffee shop in the area for milkshakes. Marae has a ton of great friends in South Africa. Believe me, I know. She is going to have a little scrapbook at her party for her friends to write good-bye notes as a keepsake. I am sure they will also be taking lots of selfies. I get in a few of those. 🙂 It will be a lot of fun.
Her last swimming gala will be the South African Junior Nationals towards the end of March and she is training hard for it. It will be the last time she sees “her people” for quite awhile. I know she will miss them a ton, and I have heard them say they will miss her too.
I’m not quite sure what I want to do – go to Canada or stay here. South Africa is home and I’m not sure what life will be like in Canada, but I am only a watch and I will have to go whether i want to or not. xx Olly
Hi everybody, I hope you enjoyed Marae’s instalment of our countdown as much as I did. Lots of meaning in there. Thanks everyone for keeping up with our countdowns. I am going to add a picture gallery below as I did with Nate and Elise. And I know Marae would enjoy hearing any thoughts or comments you may have. Hugs, Michelle
Oh Marae I know EXACTLY how you feel. You are much luckier than I was though. Computers have come a long way. There was no such thing as Skype when I left all my friends behind and just think of all the great things that you will be able to show them either through pictures or skpying on your phone. They could see 5 feet of snow!!! You are such a wonderful young lady and I am sure that you will love it here too.
That’s a great blog Marae, so creative! The only thing wrong was I needed some kleenex part way through! Goodbyes are no fun, that’s for certain! We’ve often found though that the people we’ve met in other countries where we’ve lived have become very special friends, and years later we’re still close friends with them. I’m sure that will be the case with you and a lot of your South African friends. Perhaps some will be able to visit you in Canada and you will be able to show them around. Also, I’m sure you will go back to visit them in South Africa someday. We’re sure looking forward to having you home, as are some of the friends you already have here! Love, Nan
I just finished reading Marae’s blog to Keely & got all tearful for the 2nd time reading it. Keely’s response was so heartfelt … “I love Marae so much” & why does she have to go …” 🙁
Keely is going to miss her terribly. Thank you for all the love & support your family has given us. Marae, thank you for being such a good friend to Keely. We wish you all the success you deserve with your swimming career. Continue to shine. Lots of love & hugz from Keely & Kandi & family xxx
Marae, it’s going to be a tough, but memory filled last few weeks. I also had a hard time leaving SA in ’72, but look how many times I’ve been back! Remember we’re waiting with many hugs standing by on this side! You’ve been such a blessing to all your friends in SA. Always remember their lives (and visa versa) have been richly blessed with having you there. This won’t be the last you’ll see of them. You will draw people to you here as well, and get more friends. I’m sending you a cyber hug and remember you can send many of those back and forth nowadays! Enjoy every moment you have!