My mom, Kathryn, Karin, and I stand clinging to one another, inching along through security at Schiphol. Tears stream down the face of the woman behind us. She repeats softly, “I don’t know why I’m crying! I’m just crying because you’re crying.” Hands shaking, I place my carry-on, my jacket, and my Kindle in a bin. My mom does not let go. I’m about to pass through the metal detector, heading for France. The others will catch a US flight later. My mom’s foot scoots a duffel bag. Among her clothes is the small, wooden box holding my dad’s ashes.
Christi Byerly, who’s lived in six countries on three continents, runs Awaken Coaching. Her clients come from all over the globe. Find Christi on Twitter @ChristiByerly and on Instagram @byerlychristi.