Hey friends! Long time no see on the IG feed.
I originally shared this post/caption to Instagram on Wednesday, but it was so long that the full text wouldn’t fit. (It continued into the comments.) So, I figured that I might as well share it on here as well.
Recently, I took about a week off from posting to my feed as I went back to the ‘burbs to spend some time with my family for the first time since February.(!!!) I’m getting back to posting regularly now. While home though, I decided to take a break to really focus on them and just chill.
This was the longest period of time that I have ever (like seriously, EVER) spent away from them. Usually we have a few little visits home or random get-togethers to go out to lunch or dinner. We did a few quick socially-distant drop-offs over the past few months (Costco deliveries and such). BUT WOW their hugs felt like magic when I finally got to see them.
For context and for those of you that don’t know, I grew up in Evanston, a Northern Chicago suburb. When it was time for college I decided to stick around the Chicagoland area and ended up going to college in the city and living on campus. So, my family and I have never been more than a short drive apart for any extended period of time.
Even with us living so close to one another, they’ve always been really great about giving me my space. However, they’ve also always been available if I ever needed anything or wanted to see them. We’re a tight-knit family, so the last few months of not seeing them have been hard. However, I know that even having them this close WITHOUT being able to see them is such a blessing. I’m well-aware that’s something that not everyone gets with their families, especially as they get older. I’m beyond lucky to have them so close by and (normally) see them on a pretty regular basis.
As I shared on my stories, I got tested for COVID prior to seeing them. I did this as a precaution and for peace of mind. I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t an asymptomatic carrier or potentially be putting them at risk. Even though I’ve been pretty cautious throughout all of COVID with exposures, I’d MUCH rather be safe than sorry. My parents are both considered high-risk and I’d never be able to forgive myself if they got sick because of me.
Being home was SO NICE. It was great to recharge, eat homemade food (made by someone other than myself), shoot photos with my mom like we used to do when I first started the blog, and see my parents, sister and dog. I don’t know when I’ll get to hang out with them next. However, I’m so grateful for the time I had with them last week and the chance to step back and just enjoy their company.
Do me a favor and hug your fam tight for me next time you see them. xoxo
(Look is linked: http://liketk.it/2Vk48 + sweater & silky bodysuit were gifted by Abercrombie.)
