The Journey Inward

We sat on the plane for an hour before taking off. That’s significant when your flight is already 16 hours long. A traveler had lost their passport in the airport and couldn’t board our flight. The crew was beneath the plane digging out the passenger’s luggage. No one groaned. No one was upset or frustrated. We lost our place in line to take off, so more waiting. Still the people on board were calm. Such a delightful experience!

The flight was smooth and easy and a childhood friend picked me up at the airport. He asked what I wanted to do. My first request was an amazing bagel place we used to walk to during high school lunch. Outstanding bagels. From there we drove around our hometown and passed the houses we grew up in, plus those of our friends. We went to our elementary school and to my parents’ plaques in the church memorial garden. We went to see the service flag of our middle school counselor. I saw the fields where I played recreation and school softball and where we had pick up games on weekends. I saw the tennis courts I played at almost daily. The memories flooded back.

We stopped at The Fudge Shoppe for some delicacies and a hello. Back at my house, we visited with Pete and Liz who are living in and caring for my place. We walked into town for coffee. My friend, Jan joined us and we walked through town, then hung out and chatted and ate dinner altogether.

Being back in my hometown and my current town felt heartwarming. Over and over I kept gushing, “It’s so beautiful!” Because traveling doesn’t make you a snob or raise your standards. It helps you to see the beauty in everything. It helps you appreciate everything. You notice details. You notice novelty and nostalgia.

I woke up early Sunday morning and went out for a walk on my own. I delighted in a family of deer crossing the street, in squirrels chasing each other up and down trees, in the array of flowers. I wasn’t comparing and contrasting. I was simply noticing and feeling awe.

On Sunday, I hit my favorite brewery for “office hours” to see as many friends as I could. It was a gorgeous day with warm sun and a cool breeze. I loved seeing all my favorites. There were several surprises, including a former 3rd grade student all grown up.

Less than 48 hours later, Pete handed me a travel yogurt parfait and drove me to the airport at 5 am. It was time for my next leg.