missing you

Our house is coming along nicely, Bruce loves his job, David is a happy missionary in Texas, Elizabeth is doing great in school and her new career path, Abigail received an award at school last week, Thomas has made 47,000 new friends at school, and we've settled into our routine more smoothly than is legally allowed. We've had outings (yes, us) as a family, our finances have loosened (ironically, when everyone else's is tightening), and I just took a final for a class that only took me 31/2 weeks to finish (although I made some harsh comments on their choice of final questions - sheesh). Life is looking so good - but in quiet moments, the tears must come as I miss you. I miss my dear church friends, who are closer to me than family. I miss the wacky PTA and their dedication and fun. I miss the schools and the teachers and families I've come to cherish in the district. I miss my neighbors and associates who I could always smile and wave at (without getting flipped off). I miss the schedule and expectations that lent structure to my life. I will miss the weather when it's 117 this July. There are good people here who will soon be my best friends, but the interim is difficult. They don't entirely understand my humor, but they chuckle with a puzzled look anyway. Eight years of struggle and triumph were reinforced when I was with you. I felt special. Well, I guess I still am, but I have to tell myself - and I'm not entirely trustworthy. The sadness is a sign that I left some amazingly valuable people in Escondido, (and even a few in Utah and other exotic places) and I'm sincerely grateful for the experience. Onward and upward, but the impression is permanent and gratefully retained. Much love!