Iowa City!

Also known as "where we spent our weekend."  

My friend Eric is the only friend from my years in graduate school who actually, you know, went THROUGH with the threat to become an engineering professor.   His wife Kim is a dear friend too -- we had the rare and lovely opportunity to get to know both of them, through a young adult/grad student group at the Newman Center associated with the university, at the same time they were getting to know each other.  

I have met families at church who have become our friends, of course, before and since; isn't it great, though, to have people in your lives who are friends of the heart anyway, for lots of reasons, and it's just a fantastic bonus that they share your faith,too?  Their first son, and our Milo, were born within a few weeks of each other, and so we all served as reciprocal godparents when the boys were baptized on the same day.

Anyway, when Eric accepted the offer, we were happy for them in the way one can only be for great friends who have to move away.  You know how that goes.  "CONGRATULATIONS.  I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU.  HAVE YOU GOT A TISSUE?  NO, REALLY, WE'RE THRILLED."

But they've got a new house with room for guests, a hot tub that goes really well with chilly October nights and a cold beer, and the beginnings of a new life that looks pretty comfy.  Eric's research group is firing up and it sounds like his colleagues are interesting and supportive; Kim's getting settled in the local homeschooling community, watching another mom's children once a week and starting up a book club.  We had such a good visit:  we ate dinner, celebrated Milo's birthday, hung out in the hot tub, took the kids on a nature walk, got a Saturday morning tour of the university and the engineering building (where was everybody?  Don't they have homework in Iowa?), went to Mass, played games with the kids, and generally had a great time.  I hope there'll be lots more visits; it is only a few hours away, not at all far for a weekend.

As we drove home through spitting snow I commented to Mark,  "You know, it's so strange to see our friends starting up this whole new life.  Without us.  Meeting new people, doing new things, settling into their new place, and -- we're not there.  I know I've had to say goodbye to a lot of people over the years, but...  I can't quite put my finger on it."

The road spooled away behind us for a few miles before I went on:  "I know what's weird about it.  I'm used to leaving.  I'm not used to being left."  

He knows what I mean.   

Comments

[Christy P]

I am getting used to 'being left' now - many of the people with whom we have made friends in SLC are in transient positions, medical residencies or fellowships or even government jobs which require relocation for advancement. It is tiring to be in the 'getting acquainted' stage all of the time.

[Kim]

Well, that was an effective way to get me to stop "lurking" and actually comment! Your post made me tear up a little bit. Thanks for sharing your glimpse of how we are doing down here. It helped me to see the blessings we have here even though I miss my MN friends and community so much!
It was great to have you here for the weekend, to hear and see the kids play together, to have great conversations, and to just hang out. Our house felt a bit too quiet on Monday morning. You and your family are welcome here any time!