Bye bye Anna ...

Anna you've had quite the journey over time at the farm ...

In your first year you arrived, things eventually became little girl heaven, with Daisy and Romy, Milana and Alessia ... and YOU!   Those were the days where things were always fun and mighty sweet.   Lots of songs could be heard and fairy games would emerge ... along with adventure at the farm.   It was such a beautiful beginning for you, enough personality and fun for you to find your way safely into friendship.

... and while you were mostly quiet and little reserved, there have been moments of you that have been so tender and sweet ... you'd take your own time and find your own way to have those moments too ..

... and life moved on, faces changed and you had a chance to fall in love with Sonny and Sam and your good friend Luca joined us.   Along with Alessia, this became your safe place for 2012.

...  it's been wonderful.

You've found your feet, found your way and often would quietly watch, ponder and consider ... then quietly share your deep perception about what was happening.   Like the wet day we watched two ducks forage in the mud and as they poked around and moved side by side, then away from each other and then eventually settled into a rhythm that worked for them both in the same small puddle.   It was you that told us the ducks were sharing ... with a feeling that you understood they'd gone through a process to get there ...

Alessia has drawn you into the safest of places for creative play.   Together you've made home and painted each others faces ... and you'd get so involved and tender in your conversation with each other like there was only the two of you here, and all that mattered was the fun you were having together.

An all time favourite game has been the doctors game ... it started one thursday morning after a tumble for one of the children when we needed to dust off a knee, and make sure things were ok ... and it's taken on enormous proportion.   It's become the game the whole gang play together.   You are also funny too.   Everyone announces who they are and then all of a sudden, we have a problem as there are all patients and no Doctors ... and you are all determined to stay as you are too ...  I think part of the reason it's a favourite is because of how much you love it Anna.   You love everyone being involved and you love everyone taking care of each other and you lie there and be as still and patient as can be when it's your turn to be 'sick' ... and are very busy and totally attentive when you take on being a nurse or Dr. ... there is no amount of attention needed that wears you out.

When I look back, it's been such a long journey.  Yet as it came to say goodbye ... it felt all too soon.

We love you Anna and all know the joy you felt being with all of us.   We'll miss you and it feels good to know that Kate, Chris and little brother Sam will all take part in the next wonderful chapter of your life.

Good bye from us all Anna ...

Luca, Anna, Sam, Alessia and Sonny