The term is done. These last 12 weeks have felt all too long. Maybe it was 14 weeks. These last 14 weeks have felt all too short. Maybe I meant to say all too long. I don’t think it matters. Late August was sweaty. Another goodbye. Home is far away now. My heart is in East Lansing, but my home is elsewhere. 14 weeks. I’m shocked at how much I’ve changed. I’m embarrassed at how much I’ve stayed the same. It’s been a long road but a short time. Maybe it was a short road and a long time. I don’t think it matters. I’m going home now, headed towards what I love, but away from what I love at the same time. Headed towards my family, but away from my friends who feel like family, too. I think that means I have two families now. I know that that matters.

These are songs to ease the pain of saying goodbye. A comfort for before you’ve said hello again. 

In three short weeks I’ll be back, and I will have never been happier. Until then, I need some time to myself. 

I’m taking the long way home.