Tuesday, June 2, 2009

HOME SWEET HOME

As a 50 something woman, I have realized that no matter how far from home I may roam, and no matter how wonderful a vacation destination might be, there is truly no place like home.
Today, I traveled back to my abode with a carpool of FFs (Forever Friends that I've known since Fernbank Elementary School) after spending nearly a week on the sandy white beaches of Florida.

Someone once said that a house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.
The thesaurus says it like this:
"A house is the building or structure where one lives, whereas, a home is the place one lives with the pleasant connotations or family ties included.

Some of the things I appreciated as I drove into our town and settled back into our home were the familiar streets and houses,
a hug and smile from my husband,
two excited dogs,
a friendly "hello" from a neighbor walking by as I watered our front porch pots,
my son asking his dad, "Is Mom home yet?" when he arrived home a bit later,
a few letters from friends, including one from my sister, Laura Lea,
the knowledge that I will spend tomorrow with my 89 year old Daddy,
dinner at home with my family,
quiet conversation,
certainty that I will sleep in my own bed, and
an undeniable reminiscence of the Forever Friends 2009 Beach Trip that will live in my mind and heart always.
Yes, going away can be magnificent, but for me, there is truly no place like home.

What is it about coming home that is special for you?