It wasn't The Rapture, but I'm feeling left behind since two of my favorite families left Utah. My BFF Amanda moved to the Lone Star State. We had a wonderful year together, establishing our friendship as married women instead of depending solely on our college memories together. As good as those memories were, I'm glad we have more precious things like yoga, baby poop, and 3 hour walks binding us together. Sans my exercise buddy, I have been trying to fight the good fight alone. It's okay except for when Annie says "Walk, 'Nette." Her reminder that little Annette is missing from our walks is like pouring lemon juice on a paper cut. Texas, you've been given a gift. Treat it well.
The other favorite family to leave was my sister Abbie's family. We had them here in Utah for a whole year, a blessing I never expected. Now they are back to the South where they own a house. I didn't get to see Abbie on a daily basis, but I definitely saw her more often than when she lived in Alabama or Louisiana. Since we are 12 years apart or so, I was grateful to establish our relationship as grown-up people. And it was truly a pleasure to babysit Abbie's kids a few times and get to know them.
Good luck with new adventures, dear people in my life. I'm glad you're not dead. Let's keep in touch.
