We have all heard and probably used the quote "There's no place like home". I decided to go to Texas several days prior to my lifelong friend's Memorial Service. My intention was to meet up with other friends and family to help me during my grieving process.
My journey began by driving alone with the exception of my Satellite radio and many CD's. The music transported me to a previous time with special memories. I took my time and followed my GPS. Apparently the settings had been changed to only travel Interstate Highways because it took me way out of the way instead of a direct path. I found this to be a blessing. I saw many things and places that brought back memories of my friend that I was traveling to say good-bye to.
I was able to stay with a couple of treasured friends and family during my trip.
When I arrived the first night, I was welcomed with open arms that included a warm hug that said "I love you" and “I'm glad you are here”. I was told to "make myself at home" in the very comfortable surroundings. It always feels like home because she lives there.
The third day I went to see a friend in a nearby town about an hour away. She lives in the country. Knowing her and her husband personally is the only way one would know how to find the road that leads to her house in the woods. I found such solitude there. Life can be a rat race running from here to there trying to meet every demand and expectation. Wanting and trying to see everyone in a short time is taxing. This day was wonderful. No phone or internet service. No demands. Just another "make yourself at home" welcome. I arrived early in the day and after lunch we visited a special place with a scenic view. My friend hasn’t shared this place with many other people. It is a sacred place to her where she goes to meditate and quieten her mind. She even had a bench to sit on that her husband made for her. It reminded me of the place where the man in Love Comes Softly series would go to sing and pray. There was even a spring with a small waterfall adding to the serenity. I find this same kind of comfort when I walk on the beach. I was instructed to take in some deep breaths and try not to "think"… to just "be". I truly needed this afternoon with her and this "sacred" place. I hated to have to leave the next day but I was to meet another friend I had not seen for 30 years. As we said our goodbyes in the back of my mind I wondered if this would be the last time we would share. She is several years older than me and in poor health. Losing Dianne so abruptly makes me question that often.
Seeing my childhood friend Barbara after so many years was exciting. Since she arrived at the restaurant before me, she was watching and saw me first. I was greeted at the door with a huge smile and a warm embrace. We could feel the love and joy of our cherished friendship. We had talked with each other during the 30 years but reconnecting in person was a welcomed experience. The memories of yesteryear were sweet. It is a friendship that the passing of time did not matter. We picked up like it was only yesterday. The afternoon was full of love and laughter.
Seeing my youngest grandchild and holding her was one of the sweetest moments of my trip along with special time with both of my children and daughter in law. My heart was full.
After visiting with friends and attending Dianne's beautiful and heartfelt ceremony I had several revelations.
I was "home" with all of these people on this trip. Home is more of a "feeling" than a place. Don't get me wrong, where we live...the place we call home...is always welcoming to us. We probably are more comfortable by the way we dress or relax in our usual environment, but “being home” means we are where we want to be.
When we visit the place or house where we grew up, it's like coming home. However, if you truly think about it what we enjoy going back to is the feeling we have from when we lived there and the precious memories that are brought back by the physical place.
In my opinion, people, love, and memories is what constitutes home, no matter where we physically are.
