They’re gone. The three of them went to Louisiana for the weekend, leaving me to fend for myself (with Soho). I miss them deeply. Everything reminds me of them. I saw a Barbie laying on the couch, and Cielee popped into my head. I saw folded laundry, and I thought of Carrie. And when I was shopping in Wal-Mart, I saw a baby in a shopping cart, and it made me think of Lily.

Even with them gone, there are artifacts left here to remind me of how entwined our lives are. Even with them gone, the alarm clock goes off at the same time. The dishes get washed. And the TV automatically tunes to Noggin at 5:30 a.m.! And when I experience these things, I consciously and subconsciously think of my family and how–when they’re not here–I feel it. I walk by their toys and books and spots where they like to sit in the living room, and I’m reminded of them, and the times we shared together.

You know, I guess I can relate to what it must feel like to lose a loved one who is a part of your everyday life. Thank you God–that I’ve not lost my loved ones. They’re only on vacation for a little while. I eagerly await their return.