take me home

i have been having an overwhelming urge to go home. i want to be in that place of childhood memories and mishaps. i want to be surrounded by people that i know and love. i just want to be able to sit in silence with them, while the tv is flashing lights, or rain is falling outside, or the dogs are napping, and just feel that warmth that can only come from true familiarity.

more now than before i appreciate how important it is to make time for each individual in my life. as much as having "family time" is good, it is nice to have "mom time," and "sister time," and "nonna time." these people all need to be listened to, and to be shown that i appreciate them listening to me as well. as much as our society has bred a generation of social butterflies, we all still get intimidated or overwhelmed by so many faces. sometimes, it is nice to have one-on-one time with a family member.

i especially enjoy spending time with my grandmothers. when i've done this in the past, i have often left having learned something about their history: their lives before coming to canada; their lives after the war; their early family; and so much more. i know that i have been blessed with the opportunity to have even met my grandparents, let alone have close relationships with them. i try not to take their wisdom, and special understanding for granted. they are particularly forgiving, and particularly loving. i actually feel sorry for people who have not been able to experience such a wonderous presence in their own lives.

that being said, i am sure that people realise that they can be that presence in someone else's life. just showing someone that you care, by calling randomly on a wednesday afternoon, or sending a card inscribed with "just because," or walking straight up to that person the next time you see them, and, before saying anything at all, just give them a hug.

i am not trying to preach. i have struggled with showing my affection and appreciation for my family and even close friends. i need to make a constant effort to remember that this is important. however, i do know what makes me feel loved and wanted. and i thought i might share it.