Longing for "Home"

As much as I love living in Colorado Springs, there is a part of me that will always consider Virginia “home”. And during this time of year, I get especially nostalgic, and really long to go back and enjoy so many of the things that I love about summers in Virginia. I miss days and walks on the beach. Or, really, let’s be real – I miss everything about the beach – the smell, the sounds, the food, etc… I miss living in flip flops for the better part of the year (even when it really is much too cold for them). I miss all of that tasty fresh seafood that you just can’t get in Colorado. I miss the GREEN – trees, grass, blooming flowers. Everything is so brown here – even in the summer! I even miss those ridiculously hot and humid days, where you feel like you’re going to absolutely melt into a puddle on the ground. It’s a strange thing to miss, I know. Most of all, of course, I miss so many of the people who are there that I only rarely get to see nowadays. The friendships that we had in college, and still treasure today, are some of the deepest and most personal I’ve ever known. I miss those friends and those relationships. I miss sharing life with them. I miss our families. I hate watching our nephews and niece grow up from afar, mostly through pictures sent in the mail, with just the occasional visit. I know Drew hates that, too. And I miss having time to linger with our families. Our visits back to Virginia are usually so hectic, trying to get to each side of the family, and visit friends and whatnot, that we miss out on that time together where you’re not thinking of the next place you have to be, and when you have to get there. We haven’t even had all six of my family (including Alexis in that count...we absolutely love having her as a part of family gatherings and events) together since our wedding, 3 years ago. I guess it all creeps into my mind a little more in the summer because it is such a time of family and friend togetherness for most – vacations, visits, cookouts, whatever. It’s especially hard during these times when Drew isn’t here – it can feel a bit like everyone around me has a place to “belong”, and I just don’t quite. Pitiful, I know. Just being honest, here. Summers in Colorado are absolutely beautiful, and I enjoy them MUCH more than the LONG winters. The climate is one that just is hard to beat. I love being able to eat outside, without worrying about bugs. :-) The hiking/running/walking is gorgeous this time of year. And we have been fortunate to find deep friendships here that we love and treasure, as well. But, I’m certain that the part of me that loves sticky, hot summers in Virginia with our friends and family there will never go away.