hashtagtom

So I woke up the other morning to message from Tom (in London) suggesting I add a friend on FB. I kind of figured out that it was some relation of Tom but wasn't sure. In a series of conversations and pesterings, I found that it was indeed Tom's cousin and that Tom wanted us to be friends.

Tom: Amanda, what are you doing Saturday night?
Me: What, are we gonna go out? (I was very amused at myself because I'm hilarious, he's in London, and we have established COUNTLESS times that we are never gonna date.)
Tom: no. But you should go on a hike with [cousin] and friends/fam. they are awesome! plus he loves books and is awesome.
Me: I am eyeing you suspiciously.
Tom: I'm eyeing you. In general.

In a series of conversations and connecting with the cousin (after much pestering from Tom, surely), he asked me to join them on a hike. When I eventually asked Tom WHY he wanted me to meet his cousin/hang out with relations..

"Cause you need to be integrated into my family.
Not in a romantic way.
Just adopted.
Cause
You're all alone in Utah
And now you can have a big family"

(tom's mom is the second of twelve, apparently)

This exchange might have been the nicest thing he could have said.

I have this thing about being forgotten. Dismissed. Being on the other side of the world from these amazing friends I made in London heightens that fear... But I appreciated this moment of being remembered and thoughtfully considered.

The whole hike thing turned into a mess with me having major asthma problems and turning back. BUT! They were really a good group.

Thanks, Tom.