It seems that a lifetime has passed since I have started this blog, which coincided with my move back home. Every time I think about how long it has been I really struggle when figuring out exactly how long it has been (over 4 years is the answer). Most of you, if not all of you, know the story behind my move back home and it was something that helped my life a great deal. But one of the only reasons that my life has turned out so well in this time is because of the help of my friends, and a couple in particular. They would be Christy and Dane.
I had exactly 1 friend in this town when I moved home and if it weren't for Christy, I may not have gotten the opportunity to have the friends I do now. Christy was responsible for getting me to Church, introducing me to Abandon Kansas, introducing me to her family and friends, and helping me re-discover my love of playing music. It was a simple invitation to join her family while they were fire pitting that really changed my life. I wouldn't have become friends with Brock or Dane. I wouldn't have the relationship with God that I do. And I probably wouldn't be playing music. I owe her a great deal, more than I will ever be able to express quite honestly.
I can remember meeting Dane the first time I was around the Bebermeyer's fire pit. He didn't talk much to me, other than a simple introduction. But in the time since he has become someone that I can always turn to for advice, knowing he will always lend an ear. I got the chance to play music with Dane at his church and it was always a fun experience. We have been to concerts, we have been drinking, we have talked about girls and we have tried to write music in our underwear. We had some great memories in the few years that I got to know Dane and I can say, with great joy in my heart, that he is a wonderful person and I am lucky to have him in my life.
I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to the Wutke's before they left on their journey to Australia and I am awfully mad at myself for that. There was so much I wanted to say to them, gratitude that I wanted to extend, but it wasn't meant to be. I will kick myself for two years for not driving back to give them hugs goodbye. Luckily for me, and the rest of their friends and family, technology has allowed us to remain in close communication from across the globe. I couldn't give them my best wishes in person but here I am, writing them down, knowing they can read them.
It is a bittersweet moment for everyone in their lives because we will all miss them so much while they are walking along their journey that God has sent them on, but we miss them knowing that they are doing God's will. They are so lucky to have the opportunity to be in Australia and start their lives together, grow together. We all were skeptical of the idea, some may still feel that way, but eventually I realized that I was being selfish in not wanting them to go. I didn't want to give up my close friends. But they aren't gone, just on an extended vacation.
So Dane and Christy, even though you just logged of Skype without saying you were leaving (I am assuming you found the grocery store), I love you both so much and I couldn't be more proud of you. I am forever in your debt, eternally you might say. You have helped me grow into the man that I am today. I look forward to hearing about your adventures, seeing pictures, and reading about your lives over the next two years. Heck, maybe I will even visit one day. Stay safe, have fun, grow together, and please, come home soon. We all look forward to your arrival!
