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| Trying my best to answer questions photo by Aaron Carlino |
The reporter waved as we pulled into the car park at Mt
Victoria, my husband in the passenger seat. They hooked
up a microphone to get some clips for the online story. That was
pretty cool and all but honestly, my thoughts were swirling. I couldn't even form a sentence.
Before
arriving, Joe sent an email telling me what he’d be wearing so I knew what
to look for. Imagine that! Joe 'Wellington' helping me with the search!
He also noted that if there were cruise ships in the harbour, the lookout would be a
bit busy. He wasn’t wrong. Two tour busses pulled in just behind me. This made
me very nervous that he’d be a no-show.
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| Seeing Joe for the first time in 18 years atop Mt Vic photo by Aaron Carlino |
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| photo by Aaron Carlino |
But he
showed.
As soon as
he hit the platform atop the stairs, I knew it was him.
I waved, in
case he didn’t recognize me from the photos in the paper.
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| I've found Joe Wareham photo by Aaron Carlino |
Both of us
grinning, we hugged.
After
checking in on how the other was coping with this, we didn’t miss a beat
catching up. As comfortable and genuine (although definitely awkward with the
media there) as it was when we met all those years ago.
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| Beautiful Wellington in the background photo by Aaron Carlino |
“Have you
been quite homesick?” He asked.
Such a simple
question, but one only someone who could relate would ask.
I nodded,
grateful for the sincerity, familiar sorrow from when I was 19 returning briefly.
“Oh, I
probably could’ve helped with that a bit when you arrived,” he said.
We laughed.
That’s just
like the Joe I remember. Kind, thoughtful words even 18 years later.
I apologised for making such a big stink of it. He said he should've reached out when he heard of the blog, but was too shy. I don't blame him. Looking at it from his perspective, it's pretty weird that someone would blog about searching for you. But that's how my creative mind works. And anyone who's read the blog knows it's how I've coped with moving here; a creative outlet that's given me a way to keep my loved ones overseas in the loop.
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| "But it worked! I found you!" photo by Aaron Carlino |
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| Jessy interviewing Joe. I think he reveals here he didn't see the psychic in San Francisco, only waited while I did! photo by Aaron Carlino |
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| Joe, you've got a lovely home photo by Aaron Carlino |
When the
reporter and photographer left, the three of us continued to chat as another
tour bus rolled in. I took this opportunity to do a celebratory jig around
the lookout in honour of finally finding Joe.
We
exchanged mobiles and took selfies. He’s said he’d like to catch up some more
soon (we’ve got 18 years worth!), which I’m eager for. He’s even said he may write up a post from his perspective for the blog. I'd love it.
It's been an amazing week. So much anxiety, uncertainty, excitement, moments of shame, insecurity, but ultimately, the good will find you. There's no expectations on my end. It's been thrilling, I'm very grateful for his openness. It's a fun story to think we met so long ago in the USA and now here we are in New Zealand.
I couldn’t
have done it with you, Wellingtonians. Thank you.
This time I’ve
got several pictures, a number, an address, and I’ll be sure not to lose touch
with Joe Wareham from Wellington.
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| Joe and Lissa February 2016 Mt Victoria photo by Aaron Carlino |
