Yesterday, some friends threw us a going-away party, and it was wonderful. Tons of friends, horseshoes, croquet, a pitcher of whiskey sours, and burgers on the grill. Tom and Elizabeth, Dan and Sharon, Chris, Diane, and Nicholas, Matt and Maria, Pat, Michelle, both Joe's brothers, his parents, Chris's folks, Diane's mom and brother, and probably a bunch of other people I've missed. As Joe pointed out, his whole nuclear family was there, and that extends well beyond the usual parents and siblings. Matt, Pat, and Chris are his guys. They have been hanging out together since 1986 (right around the same time I met Tommy, my oldest friend). They have all been in each others' weddings. We have all known Chris and Diane's son Nicholas since he was two weeks old. It is my biggest regret about this move that it means separating that group.
We are already planning trips back to visit. End of October, when Jackson 2.0 is due, Thanksgiving, next spring's ACC tournament. We'll keep in touch with email and letters. They have a digital camera, so there are always photos to be sent back and forth. Still, it won't be the same as going over to Chris and Diane's on a normal Friday night for dinner and Cheapass Games. Not The Same At All.
Signing off now before I get too maudlin.
posted by Alison @ 12:02 PM
0 comments
