Almost perfect

The weekend, that is. It was as close to perfect as they come.

We spent Saturday and Sunday in Lafayette, Indiana - a whirlwind visit. It felt like being home again ... and soon enough, it will be.

Gary has accepted a job that will take us back to Lafayette. When we made the decision, we felt it was the right thing to do. After the weekend, we had, I am convinced that it will be the right thing for our family.

We've been in Houston for two years. There have been some good things about Houston, but there are more things that are hard. I could detail them, but I'll save that for another day. While we've lived here, I have tried to be positive. And there are some good things that have come from living here - which I can also detail at another time.

In balance, however, we are ready to go back to the Midwest. We will return to the neighborhood where we lived before - a neighborhood we called home from 1995-1998 and again from 2000-2006. The tree-lined streets are full of century-old houses; it is walking distance from downtown. The country club - with swimming pool, restaurant, and nine-hole golf course - was behind our house; the girls could ride their bikes. Everything that was important in our lives was a five to 10-minute drive.

Including, of course, great friends. They were out in abundance this weekend - we were feeling very loved. The kids hung out with all their friends, as did Gary and I. We went to church this morning and were welcomed with a warmth I have not felt for a long time - well, certainly not here.

It was a good feeling. We will leave Houston a little sad, but a lot wiser. The girls - and we - have made some friends here, and it will be tough to say goodbye. But I look forward to starting a new chapter, back in the "older" neighborhood we have come to love, among friends we cherish.

Going home. It's a good feeling.