I’ve been traveling the last two weeks and arriving in Chattanooga this week, I was fortunate enough to witness a father’s homecoming. I had no idea how long he’d been traveling or where he’d been, but I did know that he was loved and honored because after he cleared security, two little girls screamed Daddy and launched themselves into his open arms. Homecomings are played out hundreds of times a day at airports, train stations, and homes across the country and despite their similarities, each one is special and unique.
Witnessing these two little girls welcome their daddy home, got me to thinking about how wonderful it was to come home and be welcomed with open arms. To know that someone loves you unconditionally and is really glad to be reunited with you. Reflecting, I realize that I take homecomings for granted and don’t acknowledge how fortunate I am when my loved ones come home to me or when I come home to them. My daughter flew home from DC several weeks ago and I didn’t take the opportunity to tell her how glad I was that she’d gotten to have the experience of going to JEA and how glad I was that she came home.
As the days tick down until the holiday season, thoughts of family fill the air and I realize how lucky I am to have a husband and two kids who love me and who are glad I’m home. I might not get the cliched homecoming, but I know I have folks who love me and are glad I’m home and in the end that’s really all that matters.
Cairn by Cairn 