They will come back.
Often.
And from not far away.
Maybe from the loft, the small farm in the Gorge, the cottage just south of here. A mama can dream.
She’ll be wearing her hair slightly differently than the last time. She’ll tilt her head just so to keep her fedora on. She’ll smile in that way that is just so her. They’ll be coming home. Maybe solo, maybe with the man who looks at her the way we’ve always hoped (seeing and treasuring, you know), maybe with a tribe of little people.
They’ll come home, and it might be here, but probably to another four walls. The dog might rush to greet them, and we sure will.
Their papa will kiss cheeks and hug, I’ll take hands in mine.
They can dance here and act crazy, they can let it all hang out. Maybe we’ll duke it out over world events. Maybe we’ll snuggle under the covers, or the grandkids might check the cookie jar for something fresh baked. Maybe we’ll talk “cherries and pits” over dinner like we used to.
We might cry. I’m pretty sure I will.
Someday home will be the place they visit, and we are practicing for that. Making this always a place they’ll want to return. Being the people who know them — really know them — and see them as they are, delight in who they’re becoming.
I can almost see it now.
Joining with Lisa-Jo Baker and the brave, free-writing tribe of Five Minute Friday. Join us? Today’s prompt: VISIT.
Connecting through the power of stories written, spoken and lived
Well I can tell you that since I’m more in that place, it is a beautiful and bittersweet thing when they visit! Our family is welcoming two brides and we have welcomed a Brazilian exchange student and had a college friend staying with us for the summer. It is a very cool thing. I loved your post and your perspective!!! Stopping by from 5MF! Blessings!
Wow, what big changes in the life of your family! And it sounds like you’ve certainly made a place of welcome, continually swinging the doors wider. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Ashley I “get to see that now” with my adult daughters, daughter-in-law and the first member of our tribe, our precious little brand new grandson, Ezekiel. Keep creating that place to come home to. It’s delicious when they return to visit. Nothing in the world like it.
Delicious…I can only imagine, Barb. Thank you for that vision of hope.
I love this – looking into the future, hopeful; and treasuring the now. I think the same thoughts, Ashley, and hope the same things : ) Though I also jokingly tell my daughters they may NOT marry anyone from this county…they remind me that if they marry close, they’ll stay close! In the end, as long as they marry someone who treasures and sees, and loves the Lord, it’s all good.
I love you, Tresta. No one from the county, huh? There’s some stories there, I take it. :-) I need to continue to remind myself of the future hope, or I can get bogged down in fears of what may come. Seems like if we appreciate the now, with eyes looking toward what they’ll need in their futures…maybe we’ll find a sweet spot.
What is it about you and Fridays? It’s like you get an extra infusion of heart and intellect! Woman, your source of inspiration is to be admired!
Uncle Don, you are so dear. I told God I had nothing unless he really wanted me to write, and this is what happened. Yes, my source of inspiration is indeed to be admired…God amazes me over and over.
Well – even though I had that cup of coffee first… still… undone and weepy now, so thanks for that my friend! sigh… (and my Only Girlie is in college – but still living at home – so for real, this will be my life soon!) Maybe that is why it is so raw! I am ruined now for other reasons too… mainly – you know, Taylor Swift. (As if you are not undone enough – listening to Never Grow Up always puts me over the edge!)
Praying for your Mama heart. Soak it up. Be present. Enjoy even the hard days. They all just go by oh so fast! Love you friend!
Oh, thank you, Karrilee. I know how much you “get” this journey. Thank you for the peek into your experience, just a few years ahead of mine, and for your encouragement. What a sweet mama heart you have. (And I haven’t heard, but think I’ll be avoiding, that Taylor Swift song.)
Thank you I am a mama of littles and needed this reminder. :-) The days are long sometimes, but the years are so very short. Have a blessed weekend.
Ain’t that the truth, Jolene?! Hoping you had a wonderful weekend, too.
Well, you made we get all weepy into my rice cake smeared with Dijon mustard and bell pepper slices. I so love your words.
I so love that you told me what you’re eating right now. Helps the distance not feel so very long. I love Dijon….and more, you.
Ashley,
Wow, girl that plucked the heart strings…
I know that voice, I can feel it in my parents voices every time I return home….”Ah, you leaving so soon” they say, or “Wow, the time just flew by, wish you could stay longer”……
I know your girls will delight in Home for their lives to come.
It must be a glimmer of how Father God feels when we return Home to Him.
Love you,
Angela
I can imagine your parents’ voices, too. How sweet. And I think you are absolutely right — a glimmer of how our Father feels when we return home. I love you.
I love this Ashley! With the love & family closeness you’re instilling in those girls, I’m guessing they will LOVE to come home as adults! As one of your commentators said: “The days are long sometimes, but the years are short!” Good words to remember while raising young kids. ;)
It’s so hard to keep the long view, isn’t it, Becca? I need the continual reminder. I certainly hope our kids know and always remember that love. I pray, too, that our cracked places will be ones where the Light shines through.
Oh geez, I can’t even bring myself to go there. I feel like crying right now. My 13 year old towers above me and I often mistake him for his father when I hear his voice bellow from downstairs. It’s only a matter of time. I loved this sentiment and your obvious love for your beautiful girls. Any mama would be proud.
Oh my word, your boy! Friend, I can only imagine. Thank you for commiserating with me. That we would continue to grow in love as our little people do. xoxo
You know I don’t have kids, Ash, but this brings tears to my eyes. I can feel your heart in your words, and it’s tender and vulnerable and lovingly aching, and hopeful. I love this piece, and I love you.
If that is the path for you someday, Amber, what a mama you will be. I love you and your voice of encouragement in my life. You bless me.
Ashley this was a poignantly beautiful post! (Have to admit: teared up. Oops, and am again.) There is in these words something so powerfully good – like a mission statement for parents – seems you’ve about summed it up: “Someday home will be the place they visit, and we are practicing for that. Making this always a place they’ll want to return. Being the people who know them — really know them — and see them as they are, delight in who they’re becoming.” Welcome. Delight in. Know. I love you dear girl! xo
Thank you, Mama. The mission statement — what a good way to think of it. I love you.
Beautiful. The practicing now, for the visits to come. What an encouragement!
Cheers,
Leah
You bless me in your presence here, Leah. Thank you.
THANK YOU – Love this