Dear Erin,

You caught me this afternoon on the phone just as I was sitting down to write you this letter. Yesterday’s post made me so sad for you – I know we both anticipated some separation pain, but that didn’t make it any easier to see it in writing.

I remember too well that phone call when your sister passed away. I will never forget the way your voice cracked when you received the news – it’s a rare thing to witness such a private and painful moment in a person’s life. In a strange way, I was glad I was there when you received the call, because I think it is human nature to try to put up a strong front for our friends and family. Because I was there at the time, you didn’t have a chance to build that wall, and were able to allow me to give you the support you and your family needed.

Over the years, I’ve learned that good friendships aren’t just about the good times, they are about providing the support each friend needs when times get tough. That’s the type of friendship I hope we’ve created and it’s why I’m optimistic it will survive and thrive, despite the geographic challenges. But when you do get blue, always remember that I’m just a phone call away.

Speaking of friendships – we were more successful about keeping Anders busy this weekend. He was thrilled to have a chance to chat with Tommy before our recording session – although we are going to have to work on his video camera technique. I swear Tommy was talking to Anders’ forehead for most of their conversation because Anders was getting too close to the laptop. We will figure out getting the boys hooked up on the DS and/or the Wii soon!

We spent the rest of the weekend connecting with our neighbors and other friends – the cul-de-sac Friday night, a playdate with one of Anders friends from school on Saturday, grilling and Rock Band with neighbors Saturday night, and a BBQ on Sunday with friends from town.

I was so grateful that we were included in the 4th of July fun on Sunday and was amazed by how many children our kids knew at the party. I think Steve and I did okay with the socializing and didn’t do anything too embarrassing, although I did nearly fall through the screen door on my way to the bathroom.

Of course it wasn’t the same. I definitely felt like the “new” kids (weird, since we’ve know these people for years). I missed the easy familiarity of play dates with our kids and chatting with you and Mike while we watched the kids swim. Today I was also wishing I could call up to your house, when we’re both not at work and our kids are at camp, and going to an impromptu lunch. I know I’ll get used to it, I’m just not there yet.

I know you are heading to the Cape this weekend when, ironically, we’re heading to Syracuse for Steve’s high school reunion! Talk about bad timing. But I’m thrilled that you will be able to stop on the way home for Anders’ birthday party overnight. The boys are going to have so much fun destroying our basement!

Time to go – I have unexpectedly been given several hours of quiet time (kids at camp, Steve golfing) and have a small list of things I want to get accomplished before picking up the kids at camp.

Have a happy Monday and don’t forget to keep smiling!

Love,

Kristin