The Homecoming

It has been said that you don't realize how much you love someone until they are gone, but this was probably said by someone who has never been away and returned after months. I have never felt such profound love and support from my family and friends as when I returned home.

My hope that is that everyone, during their lifetime, is lucky enough to have:
1. A dad who will sneak a pitbull into the baggage claim area of Chicago O'hare airport to see its mommy after being away for 5 months.
2. Employment at an agency that will happily welcome you back and find you a job that fits you perfectly (and pays more than you previously made!), while acting like its you that is doing them the favor.
3. A community of families that you used to work with that will come to a party thrown by your former boss to welcome you back and shower you with hugs and kisses and relief that you are home safe.
4. An aunt who will organize a Holiday gathering at your grandparents' nursing home so that the family can be together for Christmas.
5. A chance to marvel, once again, at the preacher of your grandparents' church, who, even though its Christmas, is still preaching fire and brimstone.
6. Another chance to see your grandparents.
7. Families that you used to work with offer to rearrange their homes and their children's sleeping arrangements, so that you have a place to stay until you find an apartment.
8. The same families act like you are in no way disrupting their lives and that they are excited to have you there, when you take them up on the previous offer.
9. Coworkers who will network to find you a cheap apartment
10. The joy of seeing snow and then promptly becoming bitter because school is cancelled due to weather.
11. Friends who act like you haven't missed a beat while you were away.
12. Emails waiting in your inbox from previous students...AND
13. The opportunity to teach!

Stay tuned for stories of cute preschool munchkins and life back in the states!

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