Returning to Naperville, IL, after Several Years
June - July 2024
A Long-Awaited Return to Our Old Hometown
- June 25, 2024
- xx mi
- 4 hrs
On our way from South Bend, IN, to Naperville, IL, we avoided the highway and took a detour since we had some time to spare. Along the way, we also did some shopping, so by the time we arrived at the Red Roof Inn, we could check in right away. Once we were settled in, we stretched our legs by walking to the entrance of McDowell Grove Preserve and back.
I was excited about this week in Naperville, the town we originally moved to from the Netherlands and lived in for seven years. We moved away in 2014 and only drove up once in 2017 for a quick visit on our way from San Antonio to our graduating son in Stevens Point, WI. I had contacted friends and acquaintances to let them know we would be in the area and would love to catch up.
Reconnecting with Familiar Faces
I loved meeting up with my Dutch friend again. We went to downtown Naperville for a coffee in the morning, and before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye again. Since my friend leads an international women’s group in Naperville, she invited me to join the following Friday.
So, I saw some old familiar faces there as well. It was wonderful to see and talk to these women again, especially since I hadn’t seen most of them in almost ten years. It felt like no time had passed at all once we all started talking.
