There’s something about coming home, isn’t there. Yes, Dorothy had it right in the Wizard of Oz when she said there’s no place like home. Even today although I enjoy times of getting away, I love coming home. Bags packed. Heart beating wildly. That can hardly wait feeling. It seems no matter how old I grow, there is no place like home.
Years ago when I went off to college at SUNY of Fredonia I frequently rode the bus.
Back and forth. I knew the trip like the back of my hand.
But the memory that shines the brightest in my memory is the one of riding home from college to Owego, New York.
The minutes would simply drag as we stopped at each little bus station along that way. I could hardly wait to see my family and to hear the chatter around the table again. I could not only count on that but I could also count on a familiar sight at the bus station.
We would round the corner of North Avenue and pull to a stop in front of the familiar shop. Glancing around even before I stepped out of the bus I could see my Mom standing. Big smile on her face. Scanning the windows of the bus hoping to get a glimpse of me.
Better than a thousand Christmases was that look of joy on her face.
I carried my heavy white suitcase down the steps and then quickly dropped it to give my Mom a hug. Then we would both walk the couple of blocks to our home.
Yes, my footprints covered those smooth slate sidewalks.
Home. Owego was always my hometown. Even today my heart oftentimes yearns to go back and walk the same sidewalks and see the familiar sights. Although many things have changed, some things have not. And my love for the town remains deep.
At home I loved seeing my Dad and younger sister and brother. Time would stop as we basked in a few hours of togetherness before I would have to ride back to college. The smell of homemade cookies filled the house.
Piano music playing. Laughter.
Yesterday’s joys brighten today as I thank God for those times and the special memories I hold in my heart.
Could it be God knows that as we journey those shining moments will continue to cheer our hearts? You have yours too. Cherish them. Don’t ever let them go. And keep making memories today.
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