“Found my heart and broke it here
Made friends and lost them through the years
And I've not seen the roaring fields in so long, I know I've grown
But I can't wait to go home.”
Going home is not what it once was; there used to be a time, not that long ago, where I could travel approximately 300 miles, drive down the drive way and walk in the back door. Those days are past me now as the home is no longer in our family and my parents now live in a cemetery 4 miles away.
But I have found new ways to go back.
As I approach 60 years of age, I still have to wonder how I got here? Where did the days of summer go? What days lie ahead? I don't think I will know until I get there, but I am getting caught up on some people’s lives.
This summer we are having a reunion of sorts in Colorado with a number of fraternity brothers; we have done this in the past, the last time was 2 years ago, this year more people will be showing up. Fortunately we have not lost anyone, but there have been spouses who have passed away. In other words, we are getting down to “it’s now or never.” Before this event however, I am going to visit with my best friend from high school. We have known each other obviously a long time and whereas I would like to say we have changed when we see one another, I can’t. We refuse to grow up. At least for the 72 or so hours when we see each other.
Sure our lives have changed; we have both been married and seen them dissolve, we have experienced the pain of losing our mother’s to the same disgusting disease and have both have had many people come into our lives—-but we still can continue our conversation right where it left off. Might be years, months or weeks—but we remain connected.
Recently I have reconnected with others of who have not been in my life (or thoughts) for decades. That’s not meant to be a mean statement, it’s reality of what happens when life moves forward. Looking back is always interesting, it’s also a time to wonder about how much we have changed. Whether it’s looking back at photos from long ago, recalling our dreams and where we have landed or just saying, “to hell with it” I am who I am and I am going to deal with it!
The photo above was taken at our local carnival last month; it’s a yearly tradition I attend with my kids and always have my camera in hand. I love the lights, action and experience of being there. This year they had a ride that had captured my attention last year—but I never realized its name until this year. Just like life’s journey, this ride has two directions you can take…you can either deal with it, or…
Thanks for stopping by.
No comments:
Post a Comment