I went ‘home’ over the weekend. Home to the town I was raised in, where I raised my kids, where I left just 20 months ago.
It filled me up….and it wore me out.
The flowers were blooming and the lawns were green and I’d forgotten my socks, but it was okay as it was ‘warm’ there, even sunny.
I sat in the church I’d attended since I was a teen and soaked in the music of the beautiful choir, that I miss so much… I miss singing with them, sitting with them, teasing them and most of all…hugging them…and appreciated once more how blessed I was to be able to be one of them.
I was able to collapse at my sister’s house, catch up with them, laugh with them, hug them and encourage my nephew and his wife who are struggling in a way I once was and to give them my piece of hope.
I ate the best Mexican food in the world, but did so with one of the best friends I’ve ever had and time with her was the gift.
I heard the most amazing once in a life time concerts and marveled that in my life I could have such rich experiences…4 Grand Pianos played the most beautiful music by talented and marvelous musicians, each of whom I can call my friend. It was a moment that time stopped still and there are no words to truly share the wonder of that music with you.
There was not enough time…to spend with all the people I would have like to see and that alone wore me out…pulled at my heart and left me feeling tired. There were coffee’s and hugs…lots of hugs…and they filled me up.
I went because My Loving Spouse is a kind and considerate man, he sent me down to see Bob. Bob is 97 and not doing as well as he once was…no surprise…but we were ‘concerned’, that if I didn’t go… and so I went…
and in this small unlikely piece of life, I found that I have done this loving someone well…
and it has made a difference in us both
and touched me to the core as he said,
“In some ways…you are the best friend I have ever had”… and I am deeply humbled.
…a piece of my heart rests in each dear friend I left there, but
I am back on the farm with My Loving Spouse and I am…home.
As am I..
Beautiful and wonderful story of your past and present.
Thank you Carole, appreciate you.
Ellen, it was such a WONDERFUL surprise to see you at the 4 pianos concert! Your hug was one of the best I got that day…. long and loving. Bob looked so happy to be there with you. You spread the love wherever you go.
Thank you dear friend. I am carrying your hug in my heart. I found your boy and of course hugged him and told him how proud I was of him.
Love you
LOVE this blog Ellen! What a beautiful gift that you were given and what a gift you are to Bob and all those people “at home” who I’m sure love you and miss you so much!
Thank you, Joed!
It was an emotional trip.
I read this aloud to Marcia and then followed the link back to your March post of last year about Bob, which I had either missed or forgotten. Marcia’s comment was exactly right: “Ellen’s posts are like being with Joe and Betty again.” To those who read this, but never had the opportunity, blessing really, to know your parents as we did, that comment is a high accolade! Love from the depths of Texas.
Thank you dear friends,
Bob is in many ways quite like my Dad. No surprise.