I have two very close friends back home where I grew up. Both of them are married to great women, and both couples have recently had kids. One of them already has a 5 year old son who I absolutely adore. These friends all consider me as part of their families, and I consider them mine.

10 months ago, I was moved away from all of them by my job. I'll be gone for another two years. In the mean time, I visit as often as I can (once every few months), and they send me pictures and videos and homemade art that the kids have made (from the 5 y/o).

Now the reason I say all of this is because it makes me incredibly sad to be missing out on seeing these kids grow up. I love them all, and I would do anything for them. But every time I see another picture or videos or hear them in the background, it breaks my heart that I'm missing out on seeing them grow up. My friends are all wonderful people, and their kids are undoubtedly going to be as well, and I want to see that happen. The other day I got a video of one of the toddlers (about 11 months old) learning to walk with a little "push cart", and grunting and squealing with the biggest smile on her face. It made me cry to watch, because I miss her, and them.

Don't know what else to say, I just miss my friends and their kids.