Good-bye MI

So, today I am sitting at my computer surrounded by cardboard boxes. The movers are here, and I have managed to talk them into saving the computer for last. It is a weird feeling to feel like the stranger in my own house. There are four men here talking and working furiously while I kind of drift around, trying to stay out of the way. I am dying to take a nap, but I would feel so dumb to lie down in the middle of all their business, so I do what I can to appear busy, too, even though I really have nothing to do. It is so strange to feel like I don't belong in these walls. I guess this is good - I am becoming detached from my home a little bit at a time.

The other day, my ward friends threw a good-bye lunch for me, and they asked me to talk for a few minutes about what I will miss about MI. I guess I should share it here, too. So here is my list (incomplete though it may be - too many emotions to really think clearly):

* the smell of water in the air
* being within walking distance of many lakes, and at least one beach
* green lawns all the time, and not just in the yards with sprinkler systems
* "tree tunnels" - driving down roads where the leaves and branches of the surrounding trees make a perfect tunnel
* the hands-down, no contest, most beautiful autumns on earth (imagine the aforementioned tree tunnels in full Fall color - amazing!)
* wonderful teachers and schools - especially for Pepper
* dirt roads in the middle of town
* winters so cold, I just HAD to stay home all day - loved that!
* fantastic neighbors! I know the Lord put a little bug in Brad's ear when he was house-hunting for our home here, because when we moved in, we found out we were on the same circle as some ward members - unheard of out here! The Whartons have proven to be such good friends, whether helping me break into my home when Adam locked us all out (sorry Rob, I ratted you out!) or sharing a big turkey dinner with us on the spur of the moment because they had so much food. Almost from the moment we moved here, I felt like the Whartons had our backs - Michelle has said she can see our house clearly from her front window, and it has been a comfort imagining her keeping her eye on us. We will miss that feeling of friendship and security.

and of course...
* the Clarkston ward family. When we moved here almost 6 years ago, it was so hard for me to leave my family. Now I am having the same separation anxiety as I pry myself away from the friends we've made in the Clarkston ward. I can't think of a single person that I don't just love. Yesterday, as I was wandering the halls of the church during Sunday School (naughty, I know, but I needed a moment), I couldn't believe I wouldn't be there again for a couple of years. Sad. How I will miss being there every Sunday and Wednesday night, leaning against the brown-carpeted walls and chatting with whoever else happens to be there. And all the faces there - OK, now I have to stop. I can't have the movers see me down here weeping. Let me just say that I will love the people here forever - they have left a stamp on me that will never fade.

Good-bye MI.

Berlin has some big shoes to fill.