In Between

I'm stuck here in Austin (tragic, I know).  But...for someone who's here...with family in Oahu and Corpus Christi and Albuquerque...it's tough sometimes.  Growing up, I was so close to my little brother, Jeff.  Now, he lives in Corpus, with a young son...who may never know me (not really).  And...that breaks my heart.  I think of all the moments growing up that shaped my life...all the memories shared with Jeff...and to think that his son may never really know me...tears my heart in two.  Then, there are our nieces in Hawaii.  Sure, we email, text, call...but we're not there for the day-to-day things.  I want them to know me...to turn to me.  And...not to forget my family in Albuquerque.  When things are tough, I can't even reach out for a hug.  It makes me wonder...why am I here?  I wish there were some way to wrap everyone up that's important to me, and carry them with me always.  How did things end up this way?  Where I'm here and not there, there, there.  If I know my priorities...how did they end up so out of line?

The tough thing (I think)...is the people I love, and the places I love, don't necessarily line up. So, where do I go from here?