Just before heading back to Chicago, I had one last
visit to squeeze in—breakfast with my dear friend Kelly. We met at the hotel
restaurant, where the clinking of silverware and weekend chatter filled the
air. Kelly showed up with a smile and a story.
“Hi. I broke my hand. I’ve had the longest week of my life, but I’m here,” she
said.
With my luggage packed and ready to head home, I was
grateful for one last visit.
If you don’t already know, I take a trip to Minnesota every
year to visit friends I made at camp, some of whom I met in different seasons
of life. Kelly and I met in my hometown at a certain therapy center. She was a
speech pathologist, and I helped with her clients. When Kelly moved to
Minnesota, it was a no-brainer that I would come and visit her.
Her blonde, classy, mature, nurturing daughter Sophia is her
mini me.
“RJ, do you want help with your toys?” Sophia asked her
little brother. He got settled with his toys. That girl impresses me.
“Sophie, is dance going well?”
“Yes! I got a solo!”
“I’m not surprised,” I said in earnest.
Kelly chimed in, “She’s really doing great!”
Breakfast was joyfully chaotic with Sophia’s little brother
entertaining us. You have to embrace the good chaos.
My heart always breaks a little when I leave Minnesota. So
many people there hold a piece of my heart. But when I return to the Land of
Lincoln, I’m reminded why I have roots here.
Just a week after I got back, I had dinner with two of the
sweetest human beings I know: my former chemistry tutor Cheryl and her husband,
Ron.
Cheryl was by my side 18 years ago, patiently working
through chemistry homework with me, explaining formulas and balancing
equations. It wasn’t just tutoring—it was mentoring, and it was a friendship in
the making.
Even now, Cheryl makes time to come out to Elmhurst every so
often just to catch up. Dinner with them did not disappoint.
“Hannah, we have big news!” Ron said with a huge smile.
“Tell me. Tell me everything!” I leaned in, knowing it had to be good.
“Our daughter is engaged!” they both beamed.
I saw the pictures and remarked, “That’s absolute bliss!”
And it was. The happiness in their faces was contagious, and I couldn’t help
but feel so genuinely happy for their family.
Getting together with family and friends is a joy to me.
This month was full of visits with beloved people—including my family. For the
4th of July, all 19 of us gathered at our cabin. The kids are so big, and I’m
starting to see their personalities shine through. It’s truly a blessing.
Everyone in my life is incredible. Breaking bread together
is as old as time, and every shared meal reminds me why: connection, joy, and
peace.
With a Full Heart,
Hannah!
