I consider myself really fortunate.  I have lead a charmed life.  Don't get me wrong, I have worked really hard for everything that I have, but I was also blessed with a lot of opportunities and positive circumstances.  Even my 2016 layoff was something that, although unpleasant, I found made me stronger.  I was able to realize that I didn't fail at that job, it was the restructuring that caused the layoff.  I used the time off work to ponder where I wanted to take my career next and I did some solid volunteer work at my (Ohio) church.  However, life delivers challenges and this move is no exception.  Recently, my sister and her husband's family experienced a loss.  An amazing man, brother, husband, father, friend.  It is not easy to be far away from loved ones when you would like to drive over and offer support and comfort.  I used the cell phone, facebook, and a condolence card but it doesn't feel like enough.  I wish I could be there for them.  I am not going to be able to attend the funeral and pay my respects.  That doesn't feel right.  There are some circumstances that call for an in-person hug, and a death in the family is one of those circumstances.  I pray every day for them and for myself, as I try to maintain a positive attitude in the middle of an event that pulls at me to re-evaluate this decision to move away.  I just have to do what I can and let them know that I'm thinking of them all the time.  And hopefully, in the next few years, I will be able to find something that will move me back to the Midwest.  Closer to those that I want to be a short car-ride away from.  RIP, Charlie, you were well-loved and will be profoundly missed.