Keith and I were married 6 years last Saturday. I apparently married a man that can't help if he gets a random stone in his kidneys. It's happened so often that it's becoming an almost mundane event, for me that is, not so much for the painful. After a nice stint in the ER, we thought things were better. Alas, things weren't so far along. I started out disappointed at the way that our anniversary was turning out. Keith wasn't feeling well, and he was complaining about it. I had no power to "fix" it, so all I could do was nod. I tried not to get mad at him, but that was hard since he was being a baby. I know that it's painful, but he was taking pain meds, and just lying around. I am a firm believer in the "don't just lay around" motto. I don't think you can start feeling better until you start moving.
Still, we had the opportunity to pick Michael and Lindsay King up from the airport. It was one of the happiest moments I've had since my son was born. I almost cried when I saw them walking down the hall. I'd missed them so much. Turkey was so far away, but for the short time that they are back here, it's been as if there wasn't a 2 year gap in our lives. I don't think I will be as sad when they leave this time, though, because they are leaving of their own accord and not being forced to leave by the military. It's a different kind of leaving. Plus, I know that they will be able to travel as they please, within reason, of course. We all can travel at our leisure, within reason, so long as our jobs and finances allow us. When in the military you get to come "home" when Uncle Sam says so. I'm actually very excited for them. They are going to do something that they love, and get paid for it! How many of us can say that? Not many. There is such a sense of accomplishment when you start a career that you know will last a long time, and you won't get sick of it.
Michael and Lindsay are lights. Just their presence is such a blessing. I am glad that I can call them close friends. They both encourage and rejuvenate me. Have you ever been separated from some one, and when you are reunited, you are afraid that you had "puffed" up your memory of the relationship? I was afraid that Michael and Lindsay might not feel as excited as I was. I was afraid that they weren't interested in spending time with us, as I was with them. It's so nice to have your fears unfounded.
I look forward to the next three days, the company of close friends, and their return in the beginning of the year.
