It's the people

Leaving California was an easy decision in the big scheme of things. But it comes with a loss. I wont miss where I grew up because I have great memories of the neighborhood. Being able to ride my bike to the shopping center or all the way to my furthest friends house and not worry about a thing. I will remember having $2 and being able to ride my bike to the theater to see a movie, after stopping at Kress's to buy candy. I will remember my family, the pool parties, the 4th of July fireworks, laying on our roof watching the Blue Angels practice, slumber parties, school, and on and on. But the reason I will not miss it is because the people aren't there.

Of every change in my life it is only the people I have missed. Places are nice but there are nice places everywhere. I am fortunate to still be in contact with and even see occasionally at least, people from each time of my life. And for all of facebook's faults, it has let me re-connect and/or stay in touch with far more people than I would have without it. I have friends from before I started school, elementary school. junior high school, high school, college, and then the next college, the one after that, and the one after that (OK I kind of kept going back to school). I have people who are important to me from each of my 'careers' and within that each school I have ever worked at. They are all a part of memories and who I have become. But they are not tied to California. I hope some will come visit. And I know I will remain in virtual contact.

However, on my last visit to Orange County and visiting the dearest of friends I discovered what I will miss. I will miss my parents gravesite. I know that might sound morbid to some. But since my father died a month shy of my 20th birthday it has been a place that I have felt a special connection to him and then in 2000 when my mother passed away it has been where I go when I am in the area that is a touchstone for me. They are in my heart, but it is a place that I will miss being close enough to visit to have a quiet moment in their memory. I will find other beaches, mountains, lakes, rivers and cities. But a part of my heart will always be tied to that part of California where I grew up and they now rest.