We immediately bonded over a shared love of sweet tea, polite strangers, and "Steel Magnolias."
When you live where the Army sends you, you look for ways to connect with people. Sarah and I definitely connected. Our kids connected, and our husbands even became friends.
One weekend when Dan/Daddy's parents were visiting, Sarah mentioned her hometown in Florida.
Once we all started playing the "Do You Know So-And-So Game," things took a crazy turn.
You see, it turns out Dan/Daddy and my friend, Sarah, were actually related.
Distantly... but it was enough for Sarah and me.
Sarah's grandfather and Dan/Daddy's great-grandfather were brothers.
"It's a small world after all, it's a small world after all, it's a small world after all..."
(You're welcome.)
I may have the relationship mixed up. I may have it totally wrong. In truth, Sarah and I don't really care how she and Dan/Daddy are kin. I think we both totally forget that it's him she's really related to... and not me.
In 2008, we left California for North Carolina, and Sarah and her family moved to Australia. Then they moved to Maryland, and we headed to Tennessee.
Ahhh.... Army life.
A few weeks ago, Sarah called me to tell me they were moving to Georgia, and asked if they could stop and see us along the way.
We had ourselves a reunion. We had 4 years to catch up on, and we made the most of our time.
We laughed and talked and laughed and laughed. And then laughed a little more. Our kids had the chance to get to know each other all over again. They also endured the grown-ups keeping them up way too late.
The boy with his "cousins"
Dan/Daddy and Nate...
"Cousin Sarah" and me...
When I am being honest, I have to admit how much I hated that hot hot desert of California. I was convinced that we'd been sent to hell on earth. Once I got my head out of the sand, I found some amazing people. Those years gave me great friendships and wonderful memories. I even found a long-lost relative I never knew I had.