Tonight, the Peanut family attended it's first social event in the Twin Cities. It was a get-to-know-you gathering for Mr. P's co-workers. It was fascinating to see a group of people so diverse, who have all come to the same location for the same job. One woman introduced us to her German husband, who is still awaiting the proper paperwork to become a US citizen. One man is Hispanic, but grew up on the south side of Chicago, and thus you hear a thick Chicago accent when he speaks, rather than the one you might expect to hear. I spoke extensively with a young man who grew up in Northern Minnesota, but went to Pepperdine and lived for years in Long Beach. When he decided to move back to his home state, his live-in girlfriend decided to stay in Southern California. He kept emphasizing to me that he had made the right decision, almost as if he needed to convince himself. Our host and his wife have lived in Washington, Africa, Cincinnati, and a handful of other places. They are hoping that this will be their last move for a while.
So many different journeys leading to the same place. The only thing that this group had in common was that somewhat glazed, far-off look in the eyes that belongs to those who have recently endured a major move.
Everyone also shared a friendliness and a desire to get to know these other people and their stories. Many of us also shared in common the fact that we have little children. Miss Peanut was in 7th heaven, as the basement level of the house was a playroom, filled with toys, coloring supplies and children who were probably all thrilled to be away from the moving boxes and stressed parents for a couple of hours. When the time came to say 'goodbye,' she didn't want to leave. It is always amazing to see how quickly children can make friends and enjoy each other's company. They don't even have to know each other's names, much less the stories of how each of them arrived at this house, on this night, in Minnesota.
Master donned his Hawaiian shirt . . . and was all partied out by the time we arrived at home.
1 comment:
Master Peanut looks so very cute in his Hawaiian togs! I can hardly wait to see him in person! I am glad that Miss Peanut had so much fun with other boys and girls! It is probably also comforting to be around others who have made the same decision you have made to start a life there. Goodnight!
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