Goodbye to California

My parents are driving through the Nevada desert right now on their way to Northern California. They're going there to pack up what's left in the house in Vacaville. Last month, my dad sold his practice and his house in California. After 15 years of commuting between Utah and California, my dad can finally rest . . . well, sort of. He still has 2 practices here in Utah, but he is definitely relieved that the stress of the commute is over. My dad is one of the most selfless people I know. He works so hard and gives everything to his family. My work ethic is a direct result of watching my dad's example throughout my life. I know I've said these things before, but they're worth repeating. I have such a great father and I'm so lucky!

Now that my parents don't own property in California, they're actually going to have to vote in Utah. They feel like their vote won't count here, but I don't think it ever really counted in California anyway. Our ties to California aren't completely severed. We'll always have friends there and Emily is living in LA at the moment, although Southern California is almost like a whole separate state. I know I will always have countless memories from my childhood, growing up on Cheyenne Drive, walking to the Esplin's house, summer nights making smores at Glenbrook, catching frogs in the dry creek bed, Alamo, driving to Stinson Beach, trips to the city, our orange and apricot trees, Blue Jays, sleeping on the trampoline EVERY night in the summer, Super Nintendo, Sega, Nut Tree, humidity, Halloween carnival at school (no coats required!), sitting on the heater in the chilly winter mornings, the red Suburban, eating at Wendy's, the playhouse, Cleo, and so many more good memories. I hope I will be able to create a loving home for my kids like my parents did for me and that they will be able to look back on their childhoods with fondness too.