Missing Hugs and Hamburgers

This is kind of early to write this post, because I still have several weeks before the next semester, but I got to see the Hartzlers yesterday . . so I'm writing it now. I’ve written about the Hartzlers before. They took me in when I had no family down at college, and they became my family. I feel most comfortable with them and if I have a choice, I always choose to spend time with them over just about anybody else besides my accounting book . . . and sometimes I forsake even that duty to go spend an evening with my adopted family. At the Hartzlers, I get my fill of hugs and kids and hamburgers.  They even let me nap on their couch. Now that’s love.

The thing is, going back to Bob Jones is going to be whole lot harder this year. Not because of money or my schedule, although those will contribute, but because my adopted family moved. They actually moved closer to my hometown, but miles and miles away from Greenville. Their wonderful, colorful, lovely house is no longer filled with the family that welcomes me. It’s empty. I feel rather lost and lonely without a family or a couch down there.

But you know what? I will always remember the one year that I got to spend as part of their family. My sophomore year of college will be crystallized in my memory as one of the best years because of them.  

Chris, I’m so happy that you have this amazing new job with great opportunities . . . I will miss your apple pie and coffee.

Sherri, you are so easy to talk to. I’m going to miss hanging around you while you clean the kitchen and watching the last 10 min of North & South with you. You know you still have a job looking at the Facebook pages of any boys that show interest in me; I need that pre-screening. 

Caroline, I love YOU, random citizen! I love that you quote movies with me. Would you believe that I will miss seeing you in your basketball shorts and t-shirts? You find that hard to believe. Well, would you believe your ponytail? No. Hmm, would you believe I’ll miss your laugh? I will. You’re a great little sister.

Erica, my little dancer, you move with such grace. I will indeed miss our dance routines and even helping you with multiplication facts. I’m still upset that you’re so good at the hula-hoop  though . . . But you remember, this contact represents you; my eye represents my eye; I’ve got my EYE on YOU, little miss, no matter how far away you are.

Juji  girl, you are the third born girl just like me.  I can hear your adorable little giggle in my head now. I’ll have to call occasionally so I can hear it when I’m feeling down and missing you.

Adam, you stole my heart the first time you told me I smelled yummy. I’m going to miss rubbing your head, although I’m sure you won’t miss that. Promise you’ll stay exactly the same until I come to visit you again . . . thanks. I’m going to miss the voluntary hugs that you gave so infrequently. It made them more special.

Yes, I’m going to miss them. But I am very happy for the new beginnings they have ahead of them. And I’m glad that our paths were able to cross so completely for one year. I’m talking as if I’ll never see them again, but I will! It just won’t be in their little house in Greenville. My trips home will probably also include an extra 3-hour drive to see the Hartzlers.

 So, my Thursday evenings this year will be filled with homework and harp practice instead of Wipeout and Barbie movies, but I’ll make it. God has something new planned for me this semester and I’ll be ready for it.

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