Reverend Ref +

HOMEWARD BOUND

Tonight is our last night in Chicago-land (for this trip anyway). We are all saying, "Thanks be to God." There is plenty in this place that I do not, nor will not miss.

The vast swarm of humanity; people who think stop lights, speed limits and turn signals are merely suggested activities; humidity; flat; non-friendly eye contact. I could go on, but that's enough.

However, there is plenty in this place that I will miss, or miss all over again. Heather and her go-get-em style; Susie and her laughing smile; Liz and her hospitality; David and his just-left-of-dry streak of humor; Tripp and Trish and their companionship; Ann and her ability to play mother to The Kid; faculty and staff at SWTS and their desire and curiosity; Jane and Bruce for allowing us to slow down for a minute; and all of the Juniors-who-have-become-Seniors almost overnight and the realization that I have ties to more of them than I thought.

This has been a very good vacation. It's too bad I have to part company with you again, but I'm not sad about getting back to my mountains.

And, above all, I'm glad to have had this experience and I'm only sorry it didn't last longer. Thank you for sharing yourself.