our people.

There are people in this world with whom I feel I was meant to live my life. Maybe we are complete opposites on paper or maybe we have more things in common than we can list, but that doesn't matter. Some friendships are so sure-footed and comfortable that the details can be both irrelevant and irreplaceable.

I know that I've said all this before and that I am being as vague and sentimental now as I was then, but lately I long for those I love to be close and stay close. I want to fill my kitchen with family, cousins sprinting around from one room to the other. I want to fill my porch with the dearest friends, the ones who know me and whose presence makes me feel at ease; the ones who look at my children with understanding and at my house without a trace of judgment.

I want to spend the evening talking with them while our kids play, then watch them walk to their homes scattered down the street, knowing as I close the door behind me that we will do the same tomorrow.

I want more days to look like this.

These folks are our "people." We celebrate everything together, from holidays and birthdays to first steps and soccer games. We hold each other's babies and share each other's burdens. We laugh at each other and with each other, and it makes the heavy stuff feel lighter.

Tonight we said goodbye to some of these friends, and I'm sad. They'll only be half a day's drive away, but I will miss living life alongside them. I'll miss being their people.

Sadie Laine, thank you for telling me you loved me tonight. I know you just said it because I said it first and you like to repeat everything right now, but I will hang on to those sweet words like they were from the heart.

Sweet baby Reece, if your chubby cheeks and dainty nose could be a little less cute when you visit, it might help me tell you goodbye without crying quite as much. Also, please don't smile at me through your pacifier like that.

Myers family, we will miss you. Come home anytime.