I am safely in Michigan now but I will get to all that later. I first want to tell you about my going away party.

I wasn’t even sure I was going to have a going away party, or rather, hadn’t even thought of it. A few friends of mine asked if I was going to and that’s the first time I had really considered it. I was so preoccupied with Walker leaving and his going away things that it just didn’t occur to me. I’m glad my friends brought it up. I chose a day and let everyone know and I was blown away with how many of my friends and came to wish me goodbye. I don’t think you realize the impact you’ve made in a place until you’re leaving. I was so touched and felt so blessed to have made so many wonderful friends in my time here.

Despite my best efforts I couldn’t quite express to everyone who came how much it meant to me. I found myself mostly flitting about making sure I as least said hello and goodbye. There was a nice trickle of people coming in and going out. This way I could say hello to everyone and I never got too sad since people were leaving a couple at at time and there were still friends there. This was to be the last night I would see most of my friends so there was potential for me to be really sad but I was mostly just really happy to see everyone. I loved seeing so many people I care about in one place.

My friend made a delicious and super fresh peach pie! Yum! We devoured it through the evening. I sure will miss his cooking. Maybe overnight food care packages will be in order? Maybe?

Eventually there was just a small group of us. We dragged the night on just a little bit longer and then the night was over. Good thing I was too exhausted to get all weepy.

Thank you dear friends for making one of my last days in Austin one of the best. I will miss you all so much!