Thank you all for your comments! Writing out this memory and sharing it here has been a wonderful experience. 

Jennifer and Trina, I agree that Kristin has an incredible way of bringing things out of a person. It's such a gift and her blog proves this daily. 

Scap, isn't it amazing that friends can be close yet so much goes unsaid or unshared.

Meredith, you must visit Iowa City! It's so special. 

Padre, you're the best!

Tina, I love that memory of you two visiting me. It meant so much to have your familiar faces there. Remember the one-armed pushups on the dining room floor?

Cadry, thank you! Isn't our country amazing with its little pockets of vitality spread across it?

Ben, I'm so glad you read this and felt inspired -- a shared connection over a place. 

Val, I feel so lucky to share such a long history with you!

Lance, you're welcome! I'm so glad you could relate. These memories are what shape us. Do you think we realize that as they're happening?

Kristin, thank you for this amazing opportunity to join your community here. It's so fulfilling to share like this!