Homecoming

This was one incredibly long day as we made our way home to be a family once again for Thanksgiving.

There were a few issues about the items we bought for lunch at Whole Foods since plane food is nonexistent these days. I chose the above candy bar without checking out the price of $8 on the back, generating gasps from the rest of my family. But then later another family member left her $7 sandwich behind in security, which caused me to wonder what’s worse, wasting money on a delicious bar of dark chocolate or losing something perhaps more nutritious worth almost as much?

It’s always difficult leaving my mother-in-law, who says things like “I hope I live to see you again before I leave this earth.” Unfortunately this is quite a legitimate hope because of her failing health. My daughter came away in tears and we all felt like jerks for abandoning her once again.

Another source of stress was the near blizzard conditions under which we drove to the airport, not having nearly as much time as we had planned for buying gas, returning the rental car, and checking in. The sudden snow was not in the weather prediction!

Despite the snow, our plane left almost on time. I think we all fell asleep upon boarding. In fact, my husband woke up and finding the plane on the ground said in all seriousness that it seemed like a short flight, not realizing we hadn’t yet taken off.

We drove directly from the airport to dinner with friends and a lecture given by Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea. I could write several posts on that book, but instead I will simply say the author is as inspiring in person as he is in his book.


Finally by 10:00 we were able to pick up our Jake at the house where he had been staying. Was he ever surprised to see his favorite boy and girl in the car! His real dilemma tonight will be whose room to sleep in. I can only guess it won’t be mine.


It’s now time to think about family and Thanksgiving, offering up a big thanks for a safe trip and for a family once again all at home.