This week is marked not by escape, but by proximity and
gathering of family. It is different for its bunching up of people: family who
are dear and longed for and family who are new. I learn the name of a new
boyfriend and the partner of a niece of cousin’s wives, as well as the
particular names of the beloved Norwegian relatives. We exchange stories some,
related to our collective Montana experiences and some about the lives we have
set aside to be here. We also play games and hike and cook and mostly don’t
worry about who or what we are when we are not here.
