Homesick

I had lots of fun in Emporia when I was there recently. Jacob can express his opinions more easily now. He is so sweet. Beth drove Jacob and I to KC last Wednesday for a quick peek at Isaiah. Isaiah is growing and getting stronger. He recognises his parents and has a very expressive face. I had good talks with Tom and Carol and Peter and Beth. Sometimes, at family get togethers, there is not enough time to really visit with people. Peter and I watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. That movie is long but interesting. The Proposal, which I saw with Beth, was very funny.

In fact, I enjoyed my stay so much in Emporia that it was a real shock to my system to return home. I was sad and out of sorts for several days after my return to Hays. I got used to seeing this little smiling face who said, "I love you Grandma." The first night home I dreamed about Jacob and woke up feeling surprised I was not still in Emporia. The first two mornings after my return I felt slightly disoriented and sad when I realized I would not get to see that shining smile for awhile and hear Jacob's sweet voice. Of course, Jacob's mommy has a special place in my heart too. My whole extended family is special to me.

Then I discovered these words from "The Little Prince" online. "The Little Prince" is a child's fable written by Antoine de Saint Exupery. (Copyright 1943) These are the words that caught my eye.

"What must I do to tame you?" asked the little prince.

"You must be very patient," replied the fox. 'First you will sit down a little distance from me - like that - in the grass. I shall look at you out of the corner of my eye, and you will say nothing. Words are the source of misunderstandings. But you will sit a little closer to me, every day..."

When I read that excerpt, I realized that I had to tame myself. I had to pull my head out and appreciate each day for itself. Life is not a constant holiday. In life, we are called to be flexible and practical. Even though I cannot always be physically close to my family, I can be close in spirit. The distance between us makes the time we spend together that much sweeter.

As the fox says, we must be patient. I guess that includes being patient with ourselves as well as with others. I am over my funk and I am enjoying life again. Yesterday, I attempted to make sushi. The results were not a rousing success, but at least I made a start.

Once again, I am thankful for this blog as a means of keeping in touch. The hummus discussion was fun. I wish more people would contribute...... Thanks again for the opportunity to converse through our posts, Katie.