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Coming Home

So you know that scene in the movie The Holiday when Cameron Diaz is leaving her winter home for the holidays, and she leaves behind the man she loves?  She begins breathing unevenly and is confused when she finds tears running down her face, and then she runs all the way back to the cottage to ask her love interest if she could stay through New Years. (This is a link to the scene in case you have no idea what I'm talking about)

I felt a little bit like Cameron Diaz on Saturday, except my crying started before I even left my sister's apartment, and I couldn't ask my Uber to turn around and drive me right back so that I could extend my stay.  As we pulled away and kept replaying my sister's quivering lips as we said our goodbyes, I couldn't help but think about another epic movie scene, one I'm sure she will remember.

At the end of Night at the Roxbury, Steve and Doug reunite when Doug shows up at his brother's wedding playing a song from a giant boombox over his head.  They both start to move their heads in unison as their brotherly connection through the music brings them together, despite previously having gotten in a huge fight. (Again, for those who aren't familiar, I've posted the link to the scene for your viewing pleasure)  And yet, again, I couldn't just show up in my sister's apartment complex down by the pool and blare What is Love by Haddaway because I had a flight to catch, and school to start in a couple days.  Pulling away towards the airport, I felt like my other half was suddenly being taken away from me, and I don't think I fully appreciated the time that Casey and I spent together until just before I realized I wouldn't get to argue with her the next day, or discuss gluten-free recipes we'd come across, eat at new places together, etc.

I have never cried when leaving to go back home from an international trip.

It wasn't even necessarily the fact that I cried that made it such a big deal.  The fact that I couldn't stop crying until two hours into my first flight means something.  Significant.  And I'm not sure what it is quite yet, but I think long-term I need to be closer to my sister.  I love you, Casey.  Just want you to know that.


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