July 23rd -- Home Sweet Home!

July 23, 2010. I woke up very early today, on our first morning back. Stepping outside into OUR garden, I was anxious to reunite with that crisp Colorado summer air that comes just between the breaking of dawn and the complete rising of the sun. When the dew is still on the ground, and the cushions of the lawn furniture are still damp; and the fresh clean grassy smells of early morning hang in the air just before the touch of the sun evaporates them. Today is also my birthday, and I made myself a cup of coffee in the traditional European way -- instant. I decided, today being a special day for many reasons, that in honor of Constance, and her china closet, and the lingering effects of the Queens influence, that I would treat myself, by using "the good stuff". There is nothing like the subtle clink of a silver spoon on the sides of a china cup as you stir your coffee. As I settled in to the moment, I numbly became aware that our "every generation" journey, for the most part, was coming to a close...

Beginning our decent into Denver International Airport, I stared into the white cottony clouds that always seem to surround airplanes as they are landing. As the engines droned and the sounds of the landing gear become more obvious, images of the familiar plains of the struggling green farmlands in a dry arid climate, were coming into focus. They reminded me; I wasn't in Scotland anymore, Dorothy. However, off to the West in their majestic glory, the Rocky Mountains said, "Welcome Home". As I observed their blue hazy silhouette interrupted by opaque clouds of rain, I had a melancholy moment of a mirrored view thousands of miles away. A tear came to my eyes, realizing how ready we were to return and how far we had come. I know it will take us some period of time for the entire experience to sink in, but right now, it just felt good to be home! After the ordinary customs check and collecting our baggage, the international doors that seem to be a passage of two different worlds, opened automatically to our footsteps. Stepping in to the sparkling clean corridors of the terminal we immediately spotted grandpa. Unexpected tears welled up as I quickly walked into his open arms. We hugged in that father-daughter way that says "you are the best, dad, and I'm so glad to see you". Arriving home, we could barely get in the door before Charlie came bolting out in uncontrollable excitement, barking and turning circles, doing the best he could to let us know that he had waited a long time for this moment. Chris and my mom were both waiting with big hugs and kisses and anxious to hear about the journey. It was a welcome reunion. A kind and thoughtful friend had prepared and brought over a delicious Mexican dinner, which totally hit the spot after 18 hours of traveling. Thank you Kathy!

Honestly, I am not able at this time to put into words how the entire experience has affected all of us. As I walk around my garden, quietly listening to the birds waking up and the chimes barely swaying back and forth, playing only a few chords at a time, I have come to the conclusion that traveling around the world to connect with your roots, albeit a wonderful experience, is really just a lesson in geography. It is significant to know the lineage behind who we are and pass that on to our children. But these generations are with us all the time, regardless of where we are. Their hands are our hands; their smiles are our smiles; and if we were lucky enough to know them, their touch is our memory. A memory that can be passed on from generation to generation. Finishing my last spot of coffee, as the Brits would say, and focusing my eyes on my favorite plaque -- "with a kiss of the sun for pardon, the song of the birds for mirth, I am nearer to God (and my family) in my garden, than anywhere else on earth." I thank God for our safe journeys, for family and friends and for my home sweet home. I love it!

Please keep checking for more blogs. I am sure that FL will be wanting to share more of his memories. Maybe not quite so regularly but periodically. God bless you all for sharing this incredible journey. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. It was a "trip"!!!