I
have mentioned before that I have met some really amazing people here. For my last weekend in town, they really put
in the time and effort to send me off in style.
To everyone that came out, thanks so much. For those of you that were unable to make it,
you’ll just have to be doubly sure to make it to my Welcome Home party.
Festivities
began Friday with a fancy cocktail party in my honor. Now, living where I do, there isn’t a lot of
call for getting all dressed up to go out on the town. However, my best friend and I have made kind of a tradition out of just showing up to the local watering hole in fancy
dresses from time to time. I had one
dress left in my closet that I had not had a chance to wear. Packing being the ordeal that it was, I was
not going to take this dress with me to Japan.
So I needed an occasion. She
provided a fantastic night.
We
started out with hair and makeup with my favorite hairdresser; then we made it
over to the venue and caught the last couple bingo games of the evening. I didn’t win, but then again I rarely
do. I guess you could call the whole
night a win, though, since I got to spend it with some of my favorite
people. My in-laws made it in with some extended
family members in tow. The ladies I had
shared many bottles of wine with were there for one last glass and some good
conversations. My favorite group of
country gentlemen kept us entertained with stories and jokes. There was good food and good drink all
around. A little impromptu karaoke to
get me in the habit. I even made a new
friend that night who had actually taught in Japan and had a lot of great
advice. It was an amazing evening that quickly
turned to 3AM.
 |
| Probably my favorite picture of the night. The photographer really captured us perfectly. |
Somehow
I pulled myself together a little later Saturday morning. After several cups of coffee and a few Tylenol, plans were made for that night’s activities.
My husband’s uncle is in a great country band. I had hoped to see them one last time at our
local celebration, but they had another gig this year. But somehow Karma was on my side, yet again,
when I found out they were playing just a couple hours away. Three of us set off a little after five for
dinner in the booming metropolis of Dickinson followed by an evening of live music
just down the highway in Richardton. Along
the way, we caught up with an old friend who had been our partner in crime on
many occasions. We danced, sang, and had
a ball. We also endeared ourselves with
the local children by giving out glow sticks (originally intended for personal
use, but they had so much more fun than we ever could have).
 |
| Okay, maybe they couldn't have had more fun |
Sunday
we spent a final afternoon out at the lake.
This was only my second time out on the water and I really wish I had
gotten my act in gear sooner. What was
billed as a relaxing afternoon on the pontoon, turned into a wild tube ride,
burgers on the beach, and a beautiful sunset to cap it all off. I woke up with sore muscles, but no regrets
this morning as I started to collect all the pieces and get ready for leaving
tomorrow.
As
I was watching the sun go down last night, I couldn’t help thinking how perfect
it all was. The sun is setting on my
time here. While I am gone, the people
laughing and talking on the beach with me will change. They will share many adventures without me –
hopefully all good. I will hear about
them, and see pictures on social media, but it will be kind of like the shadows
you see at night –hard to make out and connect with in the darkness. And I will have my own adventures that, unfortunately,
they won’t be able to share.
But
after the darkness comes the dawn. When
I come home, I will get to meet these people all over again. I will get to hear their stories; the ones
they are all sick of hearing/telling for the hundredth time, but are new and
exciting for me. I will get to tell them
all my stories, too. And I know
friendships will be relit and burn brighter than ever before.
So
while I am sad for this sunset, I can’t wait to see you all when I get
back. It’s going to be one hell of a
party!
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