My Sweet Buttercup Cream Pie

I mailed your card the other day.
I hope it makes it on time.

I also sent a little piece of the beauty of Australia home with Mom and Dad.

I was informed the other day that I have never mentioned you or the baby specifically in my blog.

"Really?" I said, with a faked sense of surprise

I know I haven't mentioned it.

How can I mention something in an casual way that I feel so intensely every day that I am here.

And to focus too long brings the ache for home back so quickly.

I haven't been able to write about it.
It's not because it doesn't cross my mind.

Some nights I'm kept awake for hours just daydreaming about coming home and giving you a huge hug and kissing your belly.

It soon becomes one of my only thoughts of home

Now connected to returning to one of the only people in this world that understands why I needed to come here in the first place.

I remember that night almost three years ago so clearly.
Slowly climbing up the attic stairs to sit on your bed with you.
To tell you everything and to cry in your arms.
You were the beginning...the first person on the other side

There's irony in all of this.
I'd give anything to share in your celebration, and yet I wouldn't be here right now, thousands of miles away, if it wasn't for you.

I still remember the look on Jeff's face when you and Pat announced you were pregnant.

I looked over at him and we were both smiling/shocked/happy, but there was a little glint of fear in his eyes.

Smart man.

He knew.

He knew right away that you were the one person in this entire world who had the power to make me rethink my plans for the trip.

And it would have just taken a few words from you.
Please stay, and I would have.

But that's the beauty of who you are.
You knew all this.
And yet you never asked.

We cried and you kissed me and said you'd see me August 1st.

I will be home soon.

But while gone, I have missed out on some incredibly important milestones in the life of my dearest friend.

Happy 30th Birthday my Moonshine Sista.
I love you.

Tonight I'll dream of being there.

Joking with Pat and laughing with you as we talk in that voice we always use

You'll look so beautiful, and I'll reach over and feel little Baby Sully kick.

I'll watch as you blow out the candles and I'll smell the smoke.

Thank you for giving me the strength to take this victory lap.
I'll meet you at the finish line.

-Chick