The Places We Leave Behind

I’ve been lucky, although for a long time I didn’t notice.  While I am clearly a small town/rooted for generations/never need to move kind of woman, I have only lived in one small town, where we had no family ties.  We moved on after six years.  I am married to a minister, and moving comes with the territory.

Since I married my husband I have lived in seven states, sojourned in another as well as Australia, and I’ve lived in both the north and south of the Old Dominion, which is, as anyone who’s done that knows, like living in two different countries.  I’ve lived in suburbia, on a mountain top, big cities, small cities and places in between.

Recently I had the opportunity to return to one of my former homes, Cleveland, OH, where two of my married children remained.  I’m here to welcome a new family member, Allison Nicole, who made her appearance early Monday morning.  I won’t regale you with tales of how perfect she is, how precious it is to rock a newborn and watch as her expressions change and the world begins to form for her.  It defies words.  There is no experience like it.

Being here is special in many ways.  My children and grandchildren.  Getting together with wonderful writer friends to catch up on each others’ lives.  Two well attended booksignings.  A chance for some heart to heart talks with the people I love.

Somewhere in the midst of this I realized just how lucky I have been.  We have moved many times, but we’ve never really left home.  Each time I return to a place where I once paid taxes, attended church, visited the library, took my children to school, I’m home again.  I did, indeed, put down roots for a lifetime.

Over and over and over again.

I hope that wherever you are, you are home, as well.

4 Comments

  1. Laine on November 12, 2010 at 7:49 pm

    Congratulations to all on the safe arrival of Allison Nicole! Just 27 months ago, we were welcoming a brand-new grandbaby into our home. You’re right–words cannot express the wonder and joy of snuggling a tiny life under your chin, stroking the softness, inhaling the sweetness. I know you’ll enjoy every minute you can.

    And thank you for the reminder that we can be at home, wherever we are. I’ve moved 37 times, and I’ve learned that, too.

  2. Su on November 23, 2010 at 3:30 pm

    I’m a bit behind. Just read of Allison’s arrival. Congratulations! Hope all is good.

    • Emilie Richards on November 23, 2010 at 4:38 pm

      All is well and baby is beautiful. Happy Thanksgiving.

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