I’ve been packing all day, smiling as I go. I’m not packing logically as some might, though I did throw in a
flashlight for good measure. No. I haven’t packed a screwdriver or broom or any WD40.
What I found myself packing for this first trip to the valley were things that I love… those things that will bring me great comfort and joy as I lay my head down on a bed that is not mine and travel to work that is brand new. Shall I give you the list? Oh, yes… let’s review:
family photos, favorite tea mugs, pottery flower vase, pottery begging bowl from my brother, Chris, art supplies (including crayons, paper, glue, scissors, photos), journal, meditation books, candle, placemats, quilt my Grandma made, sheets from Mom, pillow sham from Dad, blanket from Susan, dove necklace from Hannah, prayer bracelet, earrings from Robin, and, of course, my camera. And I’ve got my brother, David, in my head and heart saying, “It’s all good.”
I spoke with both of my brothers today, my Mom three times, my Susan, and just a little bit ago, my Dad called. Every conversation precious… every “I love you,” the dearest. Dad’s mapped out how to get to me already, and assured me that he’ll be at my doorstep both when I least expect him and when I most need him.
This reminds me that I’ll also be taking with me a gift he gave me when I graduated from high school. It’s been on a wall of every home I have lived in since I was 18. It is a framed poster he found on his lunch break one day. It reads: I wish you good spaces in the far away places you go. If it rains or snows, may you be safe and warm… and if you need somebody sometime, you know I will always be there. (Gordon Lightfoot)
And that is what I know this night.
I need no breadcrumbs or stars or spinning compass arrows to point me toward home. I carry all of the love and prayers and blessings and gifts of family and friends with me. All of what makes me love love, all of what causes me great joy in beauty and compassion, all of what makes me the woman that I am… is God given… and just as God meets me each moment right where I am…there I also find my beloveds.
“Sleep my child and peace attend thee, all through the night.
Guardian angels God will send thee all through the night.”
flashlight for good measure. No. I haven’t packed a screwdriver or broom or any WD40.
What I found myself packing for this first trip to the valley were things that I love… those things that will bring me great comfort and joy as I lay my head down on a bed that is not mine and travel to work that is brand new. Shall I give you the list? Oh, yes… let’s review:
family photos, favorite tea mugs, pottery flower vase, pottery begging bowl from my brother, Chris, art supplies (including crayons, paper, glue, scissors, photos), journal, meditation books, candle, placemats, quilt my Grandma made, sheets from Mom, pillow sham from Dad, blanket from Susan, dove necklace from Hannah, prayer bracelet, earrings from Robin, and, of course, my camera. And I’ve got my brother, David, in my head and heart saying, “It’s all good.”
I spoke with both of my brothers today, my Mom three times, my Susan, and just a little bit ago, my Dad called. Every conversation precious… every “I love you,” the dearest. Dad’s mapped out how to get to me already, and assured me that he’ll be at my doorstep both when I least expect him and when I most need him.
This reminds me that I’ll also be taking with me a gift he gave me when I graduated from high school. It’s been on a wall of every home I have lived in since I was 18. It is a framed poster he found on his lunch break one day. It reads: I wish you good spaces in the far away places you go. If it rains or snows, may you be safe and warm… and if you need somebody sometime, you know I will always be there. (Gordon Lightfoot)
And that is what I know this night.
I need no breadcrumbs or stars or spinning compass arrows to point me toward home. I carry all of the love and prayers and blessings and gifts of family and friends with me. All of what makes me love love, all of what causes me great joy in beauty and compassion, all of what makes me the woman that I am… is God given… and just as God meets me each moment right where I am…there I also find my beloveds.
“Sleep my child and peace attend thee, all through the night.
Guardian angels God will send thee all through the night.”
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