Much as we have gained from our move to Dickinson, we certainly have not enjoyed the loss of easy and frequent access to the dear friends we left behind. Good news for us: some of them just came to us for a visit! Jay and Erin and their kids, Hannah and Gabriel, scooted Susan and the girls out of their northwest MN home just yesterday . . . and then drove to our southwest ND home today! They will rendezvous with Erin's sister, her husband, and their kids on Wednesday for a long weekend camping trip nearby. In the meantime, we get to host them and hang out just like old times.
Tonight we grilled steaks and had not only Jay and Erin's family for supper but also Susan's dad, Roger; her grandma, Laura; her sister, Cassie; and Cassie's husband, Nick. Cassie and Nick now live in NC (not so long ago having moved from Raleigh to Charlotte) but were in ND over the weekend for Susan and Cassie's cousin Lee's wedding. I didn't know I'd get to see them tonight, too, so that was a bonus. We also love that Susan's dad and his mom both live in Dickinson and can come over occasionally to join us for a meal.
After the family members left us for the night, we stayed up and had drinks on the veranda with Jay and Erin before we finally had to get some sleep. Conversation came easily: old jokes returned, new stories flowed freely, and amity carried us, content, from evening into night. I feel a poem coming on! Here it is:
"Friendship"
by Hartley Coleridge
Open invitation to other game-night families, other far-away friends, or family members in need of a place to stay--we've finally got enough room to host you so don't be shy!!! PLEASE come and take advantage of our hospitality! :-)
ReplyDeleteMobergs are great friends! Their generosity and hospitality are unmatched. Kevin's sharp wit and Susan's "Breezy 104"-ness are always enjoyed and constantly missed by those they left behind in the Red River Valley. Thanks for hosting us, Moberg family. We are grateful for your hospitality, but most of all, for your friendship. We miss you.
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