My Dearest Finn,

If someone would have told me how hard this would be, the leaving part, the saying goodbye, if the ghost of host students future could have taken me to this moment, I am not sure I could have done it.  This may be the hardest thing I have ever done in my whole 30 years (saying goodbye to you has passed up the 30 day detox and that 16 miles hike in the mountains).

But maybe I would.  Maybe the wonderful memories we have made together as a family, both big and small, would overshadow the heartbreak of having to give you back.  Babsi, thank you for letting us borrow him; he has changed our lives forever.

Thank you, Finn, for trying to teach me responsibility, for patting my shoulder when I cry, and for pretending you aren't scared when I drive the car in reverse. On the highway. Thank you for making me laugh, for forgiving me when I screwed up, and for promising never to forget us. Thank you for allowing this family to love you, to take care of you, and to learn from you.

I will miss you sitting at the counter. I will miss you sleeping in the car on road trips.  I will miss you playing tag in the house with Lily and always giving the kids whatever they want.  I will miss my alarm clock, my voice of reason, My storm cloud in the morning, my sunshine each day, my moon and stars at night.

We will see you and your family next summer.  We will skype.  We will keep in touch.  You have changed our lives, Finn Finneous Korn, and we will forever be grateful.  We love you.

-The Hutchinsons, Graces, Delaneys, and Weyers