Coming Down

I've been on a cloud lately.

High above it all. Swinging my feet in the breeze.

Then the wind blew. Or the bubble popped. Or the cork uncorked.

(And no, I have not been drinking).

Just thinking.

A week ago I was gearing up to head home. I was anxious and excited and packing. The daughter and I drove and drove and drove until we cleared five state lines and crossed into the land of the free. We left the interstate system behind and said goodbye to traffic lights. We watched the land change shape and the sky grow larger. Life slowed down.

The weekend was spent with family and laughter. I was reminded of what a chore it is to take two toddlers to Walmart. I was reminded of what it was like to sit at a table of my aunt's home cooking. I was reminded of how much I miss my brother.

We somehow managed to cram in a whole lot of everything,
and yet none of it felt rushed.

It just felt right.

Time doesn't stand still, though. The daughter and I had to re-pack and cross those same five state lines again. The sky became cluttered and the weather a little warmer. I'd say I was glad to be back, but...

Well, I already miss my parents and my brother and the chitter-chatter of his little granddaughters. I don't know when I'll get to see them again, but I'm guessing it will be a while.

And that just makes me sad.

My cloud ride is over.