When I think of what home is. I always remember the feeling I felt when we lived at the farm. For some reason my favorite memory is when we would arrive home late. The house would stay dark. The only light on would be the light above the sink. The house would be quiet besides our tired voices. We would sometimes stand in the kitchen talking or we would start getting ready for bed. I remember one particular night. I can't remember what we were coming from or the happenings of the day. I just remember sitting by the kitchen table the room was dark except the dim light above the kitchen sink. Mom and Dad's light was on in there bedroom, the bathroom light was on, and everyone was getting ready for bed. I just remember feeling so safe and breathing in the feeling. I just remember the peace and the feeling of truly belonging where I sit. When ever I move somewhere new I always hope I can have that feeling, that feeling of peace and belonging.
I moved here not knowing what was ahead of me. I can honestly say I made the decision to move here with my heart and not my head. I will Never forget stuffing my little Mercury with most of my belongings and making the three hour trip hoping I was doing the right thing(my head caught up with me by this time). I just kept reminding myself that Jon and I had a 5 year agreement. If in five years I wanted to move we would. No. questions. asked. When walking into our apartment that night Jon was working late. The place was dark besides the dim light coming from the kitchen I walked in and saw the light above the sink on. I sat in the one chair in the apartment and took a deep breath of the potential of the new City that I would have to call home for the next 5 years.
This weekend we had a typical small town night in this City I live. It was the Beaverdale Fall Festival. I remembered the first time I went to the Fall Festival. Jon and I knew NO. ONE. We came 5 years ago. We have went every year. But this year was different. We couldn't turn around with out running into someone we knew.......I thought could this be home?
At church today as I was listening to the announcements before mass he got to the part. "If you are visiting today and would like to find a home at Holy Trinity please fill out the information slip". I was thrown back in time once again. I remember my mom taking the slip and handing it to me the first day we visited "that church near our house". She knew it was the church for us. I was brought back to the present by someone whispering to Jon if his family would like to bring up gifts. He said yes and I agreed. Then I looked behind me where Savanah was, one of our friends was holding her. The look on her face was of complete peace and comfort. I sat back and took a deep breath of the peace and the belonging I felt. I thought yes fill out that slip and find a home.
This strange city I moved to 5 years ago now feels like home just as much as that moment in the farm house. I have not forgotten where I have come or where we could go. Life is full of changes and one never knows where they will be. Our life is full of wish we were there moments. But as I sit in my dark house except the glow of my computer and with only the sounds of the clock tick-tocking on the wall. I take a big deep breath of that feeling of peace and belonging.
Love you all
the pope family
