Home is Where the Heart Is

Last night I woke up on the plane just as we were about to take off (obviously a quick little power nap as we taxied but still I woke up ha) just in time to see the infamous guiding, red light that belongs to Swig--my home for the past 8 months. I could see campus drift away as I was homeward bound, or should I say original homeward bound. After having taken many flights in and out of Seattle and now San Jose I truly have rooted myself in two separate geographical locations. Obviously there is that sensation I get everytime as I see the Space Needle on the approach to SeaTac but I am beginning to get that same sensation upon seeing that glorious little, flashing, red light. 8 weeks after Spring Break, I find myself returning back home...like home home, for a long weekend. My family and our close family friends have had a tradition for as long as I can remember called May Birthdays. There are 5 of us with birthdays that fall in May and out of both families that is a large percentage. However, with passing time there are four of the five people still celebrating. Popeye (my grandparents' best friend and a 3rd grandfather to me) passed away two summers ago and his birthday is today, the 21st. Today I have found myself thinking about him and the amount of life he brought to these celebratory events and just how much I really miss him. I am sure everyone is thinking these same thoughts today of all days and so I just wanted to remember him and honor him in this time of celebration. As I started this post I had no intention of leading the discussion this way however, I suppose it is appropriate because not only is home where the heart is but also home is wherever you find yourself loving those around you. I have definitely developed a new home in Swig and Santa Clara in general but there will never be a feeling that replaces that of Lakewood. Lauren picked me up and I felt as if time had stopped and as soon as we were reunited in our home state everything picked right back up where it left off. We had a sleepover, talked until 1:30 in the morning, and found ourselves driving anywhere and everywhere in our old stomping grounds. Life fell back in to place and I cannot believe I have to leave so soon. I know I come back in a mere 2 1/2 weeks and I cannot imagine the goodbyes that are going to take place but I am reconciled everytime I remember the place and the people I get to come back to. I feel almost like a secret agent, living two separate lives that rarely clash but I love every second of both of them separately and together. As the year comes to a close I have found time to reflect on the changes that have occurred over the past year. I cannot believe the amount of activities and memories that have been created, good and bad, for better or worse, in the past 8 months! And I have an een harder time imagining I potentially only have 3 years left in this newly establish home. I am learning to savor every moment and take in every second of every day while enjoying the ride 100%. Even though a mere 24 hours ago I landed in raining SeaTac, I am currently in Portland, OR but surrounded by those I love and care for deeply celebrating the miracle of life. Happy Birthday Popeye, I know you are watching over us and celebrating extra hard up above ♥