Friday, May 28, 2010

Coming Home

It happens every time, but this is the first time I've put words to it.

In April I headed to Missouri to surprise my Mom for her birthday. I planned to take her to lunch and my sister was going to meet us there.

I was driving on Highway 64 and I could see the Arch in the distance. And then I took Highway 255 to drop south and go around St. Louis. Soon, the Jefferson Barracks Bridge was in sight (known by locals as simply the JB Bridge). As I approached the bridge I noticed something physical happening to my body. And as I completed the trek across, it was as if my body took a great big long sigh. "Aaaah, I'm home." I felt different just because I was on Missouri soil. I felt comforted and comfortable. I felt at ease and as if everything was familiar.

I grew up in Missouri, and no matter where I have lived in these 46 years - Missouri has always been home. I feel it in my bones, literally.

And as I crossed the bridge in April, I couldn't help wondering if that is what it will feel like when we cross the gates into heaven. Will our bodies breathe a great sigh of relief that the journey is finally over and we have found our way home? Will we feel comforted, and comfortable - as if we have always known this place? Will we feel at ease and will everything seem familiar?

There are days I just can't way to come home!