Gone Driving

You know those signs people have that say, "Gone Fishin'"? I need a sign that says "Gone Driving." Driving clears my head. I mean, when I'm driving alone, that is. And, boy, did I need to clear my head today!

After I got the news that one of my very good friends just got engaged and is getting married--- I HAD to go driving. I couldn't sit still. I kept pacing. I kept thinking "Oh My Gosh! Oh My Gosh!" I had to clear my head.

Evan and I were really good friends in high school, particularly Senior year. We were so good of friends, in fact, I adopted him as my little brother, and he adopted me as his big sister--- even though he was taller. Well, I am older. Four months older, if I remember correctly.

I guess it's kind of a long story. We dated a few times. But we were mostly just really good friends. He was the type of guy who went out with a lot of girls. He was, in a way, a trouble maker but fun. We talked a lot and played a lot. And then we kind of went separate directions after I graduated. He was in a grade younger than me and we kind of lost track of each other. But I always considered him one of my top friends. And I always will.

Anyway, I don't have any brothers. Except for him. I asked him one day in high school if he would be my brother. He said he would, and he has been ever since. I wish I was a better sister to him. I wish I would have called more or done more big sisterly kind of things. I'm also the youngest in my family, so not only have I never had a brother before, but I also have not had a younger sibling before either. I don't know how to be a good big sister.

But some time last winter I found him on the myspace. And we have been talking periodically since then, through messages and e-mails. Sometimes on the phone when we can catch each other. We both work a lot. I knew that he was dating someone. I had seen pictures of her and them together, and he talked about her. So why didn't I see it coming? Why am I so surprised that he is engaged?

After he called today and told me the news, I had to go driving. I haven't even met this girl. Not really. And she is going to marry MY little brother? Like on Back to the Future, when Marty Mcfly goes back in time, I wanted to say, "this is heavy!"

Driving was good. I am notorious for getting lost. It's one of my many talents, and a burden at the same time. I filled up on gas not too much earlier that day, so I was set. Also, the gas prices went down, did you see? I didn't drive around aimlessly too long, just long enough. Long enough to realize how much I love my "adopted" little brother, my very good friend from high school. I realized how proud I am of him. He mentioned that he plans to go through the Salt Lake temple. Thinking about that makes me so proud that I want to cry.

I guess I'm getting a sister-in-law. Sort of. It's weird. I normally just get brother-in-laws. But I like it. I'm happy for him. He promised I could attend the wedding before I leave. I hope so. I wouldn't want to miss it for the world!