Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Missing U

For the last two fall seasons, a little ache has filled my heart. I have been missing U. As in Utah. We lived in Utah for 5 years, moving there very shortly after we were married. At first, I had a difficult time adjusting-you know, Southern farm girl moving to the big mountain West. It didn't take me too long to realize the beauty of the mountains, the Quaking Aspen trees, and to realize how blessed I was to be a new member in a family so full of love.

So now I post-with a few tears and an ache in my heart...missing Utah. I miss BYU football games. I miss hiking up to the top corner-to watch the game with all the Jones family. I miss going to see who is in the Hale seats during half time. I miss sneaking in bottled waters and eating kettle corn. I miss driving the Alpine Loop in American Fork Canyon and stopping to take our yearly family picture. I miss the vibrant yellow of the aspens mixed with the deep, dark green of the pine trees. I miss the mountains. Oh, how I miss those mountains. They were so hard to get used to at first...so large and immovable. But then I learned to love them. I learned to see the beauty that they held... ...Like beautiful, open meadows. I miss this face. SO MUCH.

I miss this yard-the raspberries, grapes, and all the games of bocci and tether ball. I miss laying in the hammock and sitting on the steps. I miss family gatherings here and eating till I can't eat anymore, and then eating some more. I miss playing 5 Crowns and Rummikub. I miss this man, and all of his practical wisdom and gardening knowledge. I miss these two and watching the away BYU football games at their house. I miss their garden and their backyard. I miss watching the birds with Emma from their sliding glass door.

Although it took me a little getting used to, I learned to love things that are different. I learned to appreciate a regions natural beauty. I learned to love other people, and learned to allow myself to be loved by others. I leaned about the heritage and the ancestors of Aaron's family and began to love those who went before us and paved the way.

So, for right now, I am going to let myself be a little homesick. Yes, I said homesick. Isn't there a saying, "Home is where the heart is?" No matter where we live, no matter where we go, a good piece of my heart will always be in Utah.

14 comments:

Annie said...

We miss you too! Come back and see us!

tammy said...

Utah loves you guys!! And misses you a ton--

Jenny said...

I feel the same way. When I am in Utah I miss Tn and when I am in Tn I miss Utah! Both beautiful places!

Jenny said...

I feel the same way. When I am in Utah I miss Tn and when I am in Tn I miss Utah! Both beautiful places!

Janel said...

I loved looking at these pictures. Reading all that made me really miss Utah. I miss getting to see you guys so often, and meeting in Brigham City. I really hope we get to see you guys in UT for Christmas. I would love it!

Daniel said...

Ah Haley, this is the time of year that I ached for Utah the very most. I daresay that for as long as I ever lived in GA it would remain that way. For the past few days as the seasons have changed there has been a spring in my step as I have been "home" again. This has replaced how homesick I have been for GA for the past few months. Come visit us, Utah needs you just as much as you need Utah!
Love
Marci

Joy and Ted said...

Oh, how I feel the very same way!! It makes me feel better to know that I'm not the only one still missing it after almost two years. When are we going to meet up??!!

Steve and Kalli said...

Oh I know how you feel! Not necessarily with Utah but the homesick part! I feel it too, even though I like being in Boston it doesn't quite feel like home yet. And after living in AZ for three years I know about longing for a fall season where the leaves change colors. Luckily the leaves do change here!

Jillian said...

Ha! You tricked me! One blog every three weeks...

Grace really liked talking to Emma on the phone on Tuesday. She's constantly asking if we can go on an airplane to Emma's house again.

Sorry you're homesick, but can you imagine if you didn't miss at least something about Utah? That would most likely mean that you hated that 5 years of your life and think of how sad and what a waste that would have been!

Laura Bradford said...

I miss your face : ) Come visit!

Paige Todd said...

Hi Haley. I finally loaded the fair pictures on the computer and there are some cute ones of Laurel and Emma on the tea cups. If you would like us to email them to you let me know. I posted one of them on the blog but I have marked our blog private so you can email me at dathan_todd@yahoo.com. Emma is a doll and I know Dathan enjoyed seeing you and getting to catch up a little :)

Kjersti said...

I miss you Haley! And your family! Rumor has it you'll be here for Christmas, and I look forward to that time to see you! :)

Sandra and Brent said...

We miss you too. I've written it several times but I feel like my heart is scattered in many pieces across many states and even in two different countries. I'm actually in Canada right now enjoying Canadian Thanksgiving with my family. I'm loving my time here but miss everyone back home. Sigh. Anyway . . . happy autumn! Love ya, Sandra

tatum said...

awwwwe, that made me tear up!