Things I Miss About Home

P.J. & F.E. - I miss the cuddles, the playing around, the amusing sleeping spots. I even miss breaking up the fights and taking care of them in general.

This squiggly Palm Tree outside of the Walgreens closest to our home. A place I frequented often, so much so that the friendly staff recognized and remembered me. I miss all the palm trees, and citrus groves. I miss the sunshine and breezes. Despite the fact that we lived on a busy (and often noisy street) I miss the quiet lanes nearby in the neighborhood, ideal for long walks.

I miss our backyard. I miss the place where I could sit and think. The place where I could roll around in the grass with the cats. The place where we made s'mores and had water balloon fights. I miss not being able to see how you will continue to make it more beautiful with plants and flowers. I miss not be able to put up the hammock or play games of croquet.

I miss my favorite selfie spot. The red brick and natural light. I love myself in these pictures and felt so happy, even if my smiles were never good enough for you.

I miss the South Middle School tennis courts within walking (or very short driving) distance. That made me feel happy and healthy, and wanting to take as long as it took to teach you how to play and maybe learn to love it as well without being so hard on yourself.

I miss the food. The breakfast taco runs to El Pato or Stripes. City Cafe. Blue Onion. Koko's & Trevino's. Coffee Zone. Or making and eating meals at home together, which I know we didn't get to do as much as we'd like, but I cherished every opportunity. 

I miss Edinburg FUMC. The first church that had felt like a home to me in over 20 years. I miss hearing you preach and watching the joy you get from leading worship. I miss singing along with the praise band. I will miss the Pumpkin Patch and Trunk or Treat, I will miss Fellowship events and the chances to exchange stories and learn more about the congregation. I miss Food pantry volunteering.

I miss Freedom Fitness. I miss having an affordable gym nearby with comfortable amenities. A place I loved to go and felt encouraged and hopeful about my health goals. I miss going to the gym to workout at the same time. I miss watching you from behind while you were on the elliptical, even though I'm sure it made you feel uncomfortable. 

 

I miss my wife. The first and only person I've ever truly been in love with and believed loved me in return the same way. We were not perfect. But I miss her touch, her smell. I miss her energy, her charm, her grace. I miss our jokes. I miss our lazy days. I miss the ways you challenged me. I miss the ways you made me rethink. I miss getting a glimpse into the wide and wonderful world that is your life. A life I was happy and grateful to be a part of and inspired me to expand my own world. I miss us.