over and out

"Farewells can be shattering, but returns are surely worse. Solid flesh can never live up to the bright shadow cast by its absence. Time and distance blur the edges; then suddenly the beloved has arrived, and it's noon with its merciless light, and every spot and pore and wrinkle and bristle stands clear."
-from The Blind Assassin, by Margaret Atwood

I read this the other day while returning from one of my trips, and its truth had never really occurred to my eternal optimism that insists upon ecstatic reunions. So what can I say? Lower your expectations before coming to meet me at the airport...? :)

My final plane will take me from Houston to Austin, arriving at 7:56pm, at which point my mother has promised me my entire family will be there, as well as a bag of Taco Cabana tortillas and queso. At that point I will have been traveling for about 19 hours solid. Keep that in mind when on your way to the airport please. :) Part of me is very ready to be back, but it battles with the part that is at home right here. But what was that old saying..."home is where your rump rests..."? Well, if that is the case, I will have a lot of homes tomorrow, but the last one will be my parents' home. I still call it home, though I am beginning to realize that I have several homes.

It is quiet here now. I have to go finish packing. I will see some of you tomorrow, and others of you later. I look forward to hug-filled reunions. Goodnight from Oxford for the final time. Thank you all for taking this journey with me. Over and out.