My nears and dears

And now, a shout out.

A girl cannot live in dissertation season without a community of people cheering her on.

While the full number of that community are far broader than I can ever acknowledge here, to each and every one who has reached out and sent love, treats, encouragement, prayers, food, colorful signage, truth--

I am more grateful than I can express.

~~~

On Friday, the first day of dissertation freedom,

I was told to be ready by 6 pm.

Sure enough, 6 pm rolled around and a group of people were gathered on my deck, handing to me the following clue of what my night had in store: 

Elk Creek Cafe, the place I had secretly been longing to go but had never told a soul.

We drove, in comfortable chatting.

  We ordered delectable yummies.

I was given a video made in my honor, at which I laughed.  Hysterically.

[As did everyone else, when it made its way around the table.]

I left the night, so blessed, by these, my nears and dears.

Fed.  Grateful.  Loved.