Missing hugs from back home

My friend Derrick's wife just had a baby yesterday. Even though he lives in California and I only see him once every few years, I started to feel this deep sense of sadness about missing out of the lives of all of the people I love back home. Seeing pictures of my parents at a birthday party, looking happy and having a good time, reminded me how wonderful it is to have them as an active presence in my life. I talk to them on the phone regularly but I miss their hugs. Today is the first day that I have really missed being home. Sure it won't be the last but, to my family and friends, I love you all very much. Wish I could be there for all of your joys and all of your struggles. XOXO