I spent the weekend with Thom and his family in Covington, Va. It was really nice to get out there and meet everyone, especially his mom, who is so sweet.
If I am to tell the whole story, though, I have to admit on my part some culture shock (it’s surprising how here you can drive for just a few hours, and boom, you’re in the South) and unfounded anxiety over “meeting the folks” (everyone was really friendly, but for some reason I think I had pressured myself into an all-or-nothing “I must like them and they must like me” mentality, and when I expectedly felt out of place, I kind of unexpectedly fell apart; thanks go to Thom for talking me down off the panic).
Despite all that drama in my head, the weekend turned out just fine. Sunday morning I skipped church, which apparently was a smart move, and met up with everyone afterwards for lunch. It was good times: good food and good company, and really, when you’re gathered around a table, sharing laughs over a hearty meal, what more can you ask for?
I’m glad it worked out for you and his family. It sounds like you had a good time.