BEHIND THE BOOKCASE .... attic living in HEIDELBERG

Monday, August 31, 2009

St. Charles, Missouri

After leaving Marie in Utah, I headed to St. Louis for a couple days - and this was a good thing. First, saying goodbye to Marie at the airport was just plain hard. I cried like a baby (less the tantrum), but I was so sad to leave her there - I think it's bittersweet for both of us. It's exciting to be at college with all the new and wonderful opportunities for learning, making friends, and developing independence. At the same time, it was difficult for me to give her a hug and a sugar and be on my way.


While in St. Charles, my dad took me to IHop for pancakes; we had a terrific visit even though he has only been home a few weeks after visiting us in Heidelberg. It was great to see him.

I was able to spend a few hours with my work colleagues - what a treat it was to see them again and catch up on stuff. Fortunately, we've stayed connected through email groups and facebook, but it's just not the same as sitting down to the Chinese Buffet on McKelvey Rd. We also talked about their planned visit to Germany next summer - I can't wait to see them again.

Naturally, I had to stop in to visit my dear friend Kristin - one of the few people in the world who is bossy with me and gets away with it! She's smart about so many things - my job is to just pay attention whenever she's talking.

What would a trip to the states be without a stop at the fabric store? Check that off the list.

Please know, I stopped at the QuikTrip for a legit Diet Coke fountain drink at every opportunity (as least twice a day and even on Sunday).

Of course, seeing my bff Charlotte was the primary reason for the added to stop on the way home to Heidelberg; it meant the world to me. She is more than a friend. She's a confidante, advocate, sounding board, and cheerleader. She's always been an example to me of a woman who gives weight and perspective to many sides of a situation before making a decision. She is a wife and mother who has traveled further down the same path I am on - I can use her experience and she gives me access to her successes as well as her mistakes. She hates it when I say this, but Charlotte is one of my heroes.


Spending time with people that matter in your life is where it's at.

4 comments:

  1. Wish I could have been there--sounds like such a fun visit. I would have enjoyed the all night chats. Charlotte is also my hero :)

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  2. We stayed up so late chatting... my eyes were hurting for three days :)

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  3. Thanks so much for your visit! It was so good to see you again!--even at 3 am :) The time went so fast while you were here. I can't wait to come visit you. And thanks for all your kind words. You are such a good friend! But really I am no one's hero, just a fellow survivor.

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