It’s never easy to leave home. Even though I’m so thankful that I am now part of such an amazing church family, I must admit that I sometimes feel homesick. I miss the trees, the fall colors, the honeysuckle, and most of all, the warm ambiance of one very special brown brick house – the place where I left my heart. I miss seeing my mother frequently, and the memories that welcome me each time I crossed the threshold of my childhood home. One thing that helps me adjust to the changes is knowing that no matter where we are, there is always something to miss. No matter where I am, I miss my Dad, my partner. I long for Heaven where I will  be together forever with all of my close family and friends. Also, no matter where you are, there is always something to good. If we look long enough, we can always, always find the good! I didn’t have to look long to see there are many things about Oklahoma – not just my wonderful friends – which I love.

Last July while my mom visited us, Terry and I had the opportunity to explore a little bit of Oklahoma City. We live far enough away that making the drive often with several children in tow is unappealing. What a blessing that my mom would babysit so we could go off on our own! Here are some photos of our day in the Bricktown area of OKC. We started our date off by eating lunch at Toby Keith’s restaurant. It was very good! After that, we rode a water taxi on the river walk. We finished the day off with some shopping. This was our second excursion to the capital city, and I still have many more things on my list to see and do there.

Mickey Mantle is from Oklahoma!

This group was performing live in the hundred degree heat!

Bricktown has…wait for it…bricks!

While we wait for our water taxi.

Part of a mural on the river walk.

The Sonic headquarters! That’s right, my fellow slush addicts, Sonic began in OKC.

A view from the water taxi.

Lovely.

This only part of a huge monument to the Boomers and the Sooners – the historical ones, not the football team. Our tour guide knew a lot of Oklahoma history. I hope to bring the kids over sometime so they can all enjoy a water taxi ride.

The more I learn about Oklahoma, and her people, the more I love it. I don’t feel like Oklahoma is “my home” yet, but I think I will someday. I’m off to a good start, anyway.

With love,