We'll set off from Wombat Bend tomorrow morning and will take two days to get to Sydney so we can have some breaks along the way. On Sunday night we will be in Goulburn, not far from Canberra, and about two or three hours drive from Sydney itself. I have found a lovely old B&B in Goulburn that will also welcome Enzo.
We will be at Atia's home in the early afternoon of Monday, March 5. I cannot even begin to think of how emotional this reunion will be - but I promise there will be a lot of photographs to share with you all on our return.
Lizzie Hurtt (Chester's 'real' Mum) flew in from UK early yesterday (Friday) morning; she was met by Bill & Chester at Melbourne Aireport. She will take care of the As while we're away; I think they'll barely notice that Bill & I are not here. They will, however, miss Enzo, I have no doubt of that.
In fact, as I was getting the car ready tonight, packing some of Enzo's luggage into the back of the Airewagon, I discovered Ascha had already tiptoed into the nest I've made for Enzo. We had a little conversation about how I wished we could take her along too; the only reason we cannot is that the majority of accommodation places in Oz are very un-enlightened (i.e., not dog-friendly), and as we are not camping it's not easy to travel with a dog. (We've been lucky with the B&B in Goulburn.) We also have quite a lot of business appointments whilst in Sydney, and it would mean leaving her in the car for unacceptably long periods.
So, with a mixture of happiness & sadness in my own heart, I am looking at Enzo tonight, as he sleeps soundly on his bed nearby - looking at him with so much love & gratitude for the extraordinary (and for me, life-changing) experience he represents.
I don't really want to go to bed tonight. I would far rather sit with him, thinking of all that his journey has meant to so many of us. All the months of working & planning, of following the leads that generous caring people suggested, and the help that was offered; Simona & Frantisek & Helmut; the unimaginable support & enthusiasm you all gave to my dream of bringing him safely home; the huge amount of money that you all contributed to do just that; the excitement of his departure from Vienna and the emotion of his arrival 22 hours later here in Melbourne; the winners of the EnzoRaffle; the journey to Wombat Bend and the eight weeks of sheer joy he has given to us; and now - the last piece of a vast jigsaw puzzle is about to fall into place. Enzo is to be returned to the heart of his very own family.
I think of Goldie just as often as I think of Enzo, the two of them - in different ways - holding fast to their bright will and determination to survive the odds. Both are shining beacons of the qualities we would strive to emulate ourselves: courage & resilience are right at the top of the list.
I am mindful of Maureen Scott's Starfish Stories. Like Murphy, Enzo & Goldie have become Starfish, and will just as surely live forever in our hearts.
They are not the 'lucky' ones. Instead we - the Airedale community of the world - are the lucky ones, who share their journeys.
As he sleeps, I shall whisper a good night from all of you into Enzo's ear - the one that is his trademark 'on alert' ear. I'm sure he will hear your many many voices, and he'll be smiling in his sleep.
Wombat Bend will never be quite the same again.
Good night my beautiful beloved Enzo. We will never forget you, and we will never lose you. You are a part of us forever.
CINDY & TALLULAH:
I can't imagine how hard it will be for you & Bill to let go of Enzo. I wish you all a safe trip and I'm sure that all the Airedale people want to thank you & everyone involved in getting Enzo to his Mom. I'm sure he will miss Wombat Bend as you will miss that big beautiful boy.
God's speed.
CHRISTINE SHEFFER:
Ok, so with tears streaming down my face, I ponder Sue's words.
They are exactly, exactly right. We are the lucky ones to know the love of Airedales and to be part of this very special community that cares & loves. If the whole world was like our community - well that would be perfect.
MARIE CHISMAR:
God Bless you, Bill & all the angels who have helped Enzo throughout his journey . . .
Have a safe trip!
LIBBY KARIER:
Godspeed, Enzo; safe travels to you, Sue & Bill. I'm sure there will be tears on all sides come Monday.
BOB ANDERSON:
Bella gets her Aussie 'dana tomorrow so she can wear it on Monday when Enzo gets home!
JAN WILLIAMS:
Sue, Bill & Enzo,
Safe journey to you and thank you for making Enzo's trip home possible. I know the reunion will be both happy & sad for all of you, but that is rescue and so well worth it.
Ear salutes to you Enzo; you have made an incredible trip.
BOBBI PROCYK:
It's hard to believe the time has actually come for Enzo to go "home". He has been accompanied on this long journey by the entire world-wide Airedale community and we will all be waiting with Kleenex(tm) to see the pictures of this wonderful reunion.
How very special of you two, Bill & Sue, to have been able to make this all happen. And for being kept up-to-date as every event unfolded for this remarkable dog.
TAIMI HAENSEL:
We will be waiting for the pictures.
Thanks, everyone, for making this moment possible.
Congratulations, Aire people!
SHIRLEY SANBORN:
I cannot imagine that there will be a dry eye on the lists when Enzo gets there. His journey is incredible, but the poor guy doesn't know what is happening except that he is still with Sue & Bill. I know he will miss Wombat Bend. This has to be one of the hardest days of Sue's life . . . then again, one of the happiest. Can't wait for pictures.
JEANNE COMBO:
What a day Monday is going to be. I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes but Lilly'dale & SamIAm will be sporting those Aussie danas when they wake in the morning in a salute to Sue, Bill, Enzo & all who helped make this dream a reality.
PATRICIA WEBSTER:
Just coming back from vacation and getting to my emails. This is a tear-jerker, but such a happy story. I can t wait to see the pictures when all are reunited I cannot imagine what Sue & her gang are going through right now, it must be bittersweet, but they are truly "aireangels" for many reasons. Sending loads of love and Zen for a safe journey.
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