As I write this I’m sitting in the Pittsburgh Airport, waiting for my last flight out of here. The next time I’m here it will truly be as a visitor.

It’s funny. I moved here almost 14 years ago and never had plans to stay. Now, as I’m leaving, I can’t believe how much a part of me it’s become. My kids were born here. This is the only home they’ve ever known. We mad friends here that are of the lifelong variety. People who have truly touched our hearts and lives in a way that is rare.

To everyone who disparages Pittsburgh, I dare you to live there. To meet the people, to become a local, and to still be able to say anything negative about the town. Granted they are a little too serious about their football team, and the Pens now that hey have a team again.

But it’s a great city. I will miss it. 14 years ago I wasn’t looking forward to the move. Now, I’m having a hard time leaving. It has been a fantastic place, and the one with the people I will use to measure every other city.

I was asked this morning that if things didn’t work out west, if it would be possible to come back. I didn’t even hesitate. I would absolutely come back.